Jordan Travis Retires from Football Without Playing in the NFL

New York Jets’ backup quarterback Jordan Travis has announced his retirement from professional football, a decision made without ever taking a snap in the NFL. Travis, who endured a severe leg injury in 2023 while playing for the then-undefeated Florida State, revealed on Wednesday that his recovery was incomplete, prompting him to step away based on his doctors’ recommendations.

“On November 18, 2023, my life took an unexpected turn,” Travis expressed in a heartfelt statement. “I poured everything into my rehabilitation journey, but my leg didn’t heal as we had hoped. After considerable prayer and discussions with doctors, medical specialists, and my agent, I have been advised to retire from the game I hold so dearly.”

Travis was picked by the Jets in the fifth round as the 171st overall pick in the 2024 draft. Despite knowing he would need extensive rehabilitation, the team took a chance on his potential. There was initial optimism that he’d return to practice eventually, but that moment never arrived. He remained on the non-football injury list throughout the season.

In a personal note shared on social media, Jordan Travis expressed appreciation to the Jets “for believing in me and giving me the chance to pursue the ultimate dream.”

Jets general manager Darren Mougey, who was not part of the organization during Travis’s draft, refrained from commenting on the quarterback’s health status following the recent draft.

“Jordan has informed us of his decision to retire due to the injury suffered at Florida State,” stated Mougey on Wednesday. “It’s unfortunate he couldn’t make it back to the field despite his relentless efforts. We fully support his choice and wish him all the best.”

It remains uncertain if the Jets were aware of Travis’s retirement intentions during the draft, as they opted not to select another quarterback. Their current roster includes Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor at the top, with Adrian Martinez as a practice squad participant in 2024. Brady Cook from Missouri has signed on as an undrafted free agent.

In early March, Travis’ agent, Deiric Jackson, criticized the Jets, telling ESPN, “The team’s rehabilitation process was subpar and hastily conducted. Pressure on the coaching staff led them to accelerate his recovery, causing a setback that necessitated a complete shutdown.”

Jackson did not elaborate on the specifics of the setback, but the Jets have maintained they adhered to the rehabilitation protocol set by Travis’s surgeon, Dr. Robert Anderson. During his ESPN interview, Jackson had expressed “optimism” about Travis’s potential return for the 2025 season.

In another handwritten statement on social media, Travis thanked the Jets “for believing in me and offering me the opportunity to pursue the ultimate dream.”

Travis also reflected, “It’s amazing how swiftly life can change. While this isn’t the conclusion I envisioned, I trust in the Lord’s plan above everything.”

His football journey ended tragically during a scramble against North Alabama, where a hip-drop tackle led to a fractured and dislocated left ankle. This incident sparked a debate in the weeks to follow. Despite an undefeated streak, Florida State was excluded from the College Football Playoff.

Travis concluded the season fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting, having completed 64% of his passes and throwing 20 touchdowns with just two interceptions, guiding the Seminoles to an 11-0 season. His college career began at Louisville before transferring to Florida State, where he boasted a 28-10 starting record.

After being drafted by the Jets, Travis had aspired to follow in Aaron Rodgers’ footsteps. “I often think about that,” he once said.