The 2024 fifth-round pick never saw the field, spending his entire rookie year on the reserve/non-football injury list while recovering from the devastating leg injury he suffered during his final season at Florida State. Despite months of rehab and optimism, Travis revealed in a handwritten note that his leg “never responded the way we hoped.”
Jordan Travis Retires Before Taking NFL Snap
The 24-year-old was a star for the Seminoles before his injury, leading them to an 11-0 record and finishing fifth in Heisman voting. The Jets took a calculated risk on his upside, believing he had second- or third-round talent if not for the injury.
While some close to Travis criticized the Jets for pushing his recovery timeline, the team maintained they followed his surgeon’s plan. Ultimately, medical advice forced him to step away from the game he loved. “This is not the ending I had ever imagined,” Travis wrote, “but I do trust The Lord’s plan above all else.”
Jordan Travis and Florida State would’ve won a natty if he didn’t get hurt 😞 pic.twitter.com/wBCtHATBng
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) April 30, 2025
Jets GM Darren Mougey acknowledged the unfortunate outcome, stating, “It is unfortunate that he was unable to get back on the field after working so hard. We support his decision and wish him only the best.”
With Travis retiring, the Jets’ quarterback depth now consists of Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Adrian Martinez. For Travis, the dream ends far earlier than expected—but not without gratitude. “Thank you for believing in me and providing me with the opportunity to live out the ultimate dream,” he wrote to the Jets.
Breaking: Former FSU star and Jets 2024 5th-round pick Jordan Travis is retiring. Travis sustained a serious injury to his left leg in his final college game on Nov. 18, 2023.
— ESPN (@espn) April 30, 2025
Travis said in a statement, "I gave everything I had to the rehab process but despite all my efforts,… pic.twitter.com/8MHmyuMdpt
Photo Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images
