Report: Jets Quarterback Retires After One Season

Report: Jets Quarterback Retires After One Season

Born and raised in the West Palm Beach area of Florida, Jordan Travis was turning heads in high school at The Benjamin School. The quarterback was ranked within the top-25 dual-threat recruits in the nation. After much deliberation, he committed to the University of Louisville. After expecting to replace Heisman Winner Lamar Jackson, Travis instead transferred to Florida State after Louisville went 2-10 in 2018. Despite limited playing time, Travis showed off his athleticism in 2019, scoring three rushing touchdowns through four games.

Jordan Travis turned Florida State around

After the arrival of new head coach Mike Norvell, Travis saw his playing time increase. He started eight games in 2020, completing 55% of his passes for 1,056 yards and six touchdowns to six interceptions. However, he also ran for seven touchdowns on 97 carries for a career high 569 yards. The following year, Travis grew as a more polished passer, completing over 60% of his passes for the first time in his career. Between coach Norvell and offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham, Travis threw 15 touchdowns to only six interceptions. Along with another 530 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

However, 2022 is when Travis put himself on the map. While finishing 10-3 and a Cheez-It Bowl win over Oklahoma, Jordan Travis threw for 3,214 yards with 24 TDs to five interceptions. In addition, he completed 64% of his passes, along with seven touchdown runs. He was named second-team All-ACC for his efforts.

An undefeated season marred by a fractured ankle

Looking to impress in his senior season, Travis was a star in 2023. With the Seminoles starting 10-0, Jordan Travis was leading the way with 27 total touchdowns to only two picks, and threw for 2,734 yards. On top of a career high 64.1% of his passes completed. Unfortunately, November 18th, 2023, would be the last time Jordan Travis would play football.

In the closing minutes of the first quarter against North Alabama, Travis ran for a first down. However, he planted his left leg, and the North Alabama linebacker brought Travis down after colliding with another defender. The resulting impact had Travis clutching his left leg. After his leg was placed in the aircast, he was carted off the field. Once the injury was diagnosed as a fractured and dislocated ankle, Travis announced his injury would be season-ending. As a result, so too came the end of his college career.

Despite the injury, Travis’s season was recognized across the sport. The quarterback was named First-Team All-ACC while winning both Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Conference Player of the Year. In addition, he finished fifth in the 2023 Heisman vote.

Rehab & becoming an NFL Draft pick

Despite the injury, Jordan Travis drew continued interest in the 2024 NFL Draft. While he couldn’t work out, he was able to conduct interviews with teams along the way. Eventually, Travis waited his time until he finally got that one phone call every prospect hopes for. During the fifth round of the NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected Travis with the 171st overall pick. While he wished he could compete for playing time, Travis was able to learn behind veteran quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor.

However, while watching the team go 5-12 in his rookie season, his rehab wasn’t going as scheduled. As much as he worked and pushed, the injury was too significant. After advising with his doctors, Jordan Travis said goodbye to the game he loved at only 24 years old. While many will look at his story as one of tragedy, life still holds a lot of promise for him. Jordan Travis got to be a star at a prestigious institution in the sport. During his tenure, he became the school’s second-winningest quarterback all time with a record of 28-10. His 99 total touchdowns broke Heisman Winner Chris Weinke’s school record. He shouldn’t hang his head after trusting in his doctor’s advice, and look back on his career with pride. Despite his dreams with the Jets ending, Jordan Travis became a star in college football.

How will Jordan Travis’s retirement impact the Jets?

After Jordan Travis’s retirement, only three quarterbacks remain. Behind expected starter Justin Fields and backup Tyrod Taylor, New York signed Missouri quarterback Brady Cook as an undrafted free agent. Due to his tenure at Missouri, Cook was protected by the team’s 2025 first-round pick Armand Membou at right tackle. While having a down 2024, Cook does intrigue the team with his arm strength and running ability after having the fastest 40-yard time among quarterbacks at the NFL Combine. It is unknown if the team will target a free agent quarterback to add to the depth in the room at this time.