Jordan Travis Announces Retirement Before NFL Debut Due to 2023 Injury at Florida State

NEW YORK (We)— Just a year after his promising collegiate career was cut short by a gruesome leg injury, Jordan Travis is officially retiring from professional football without ever taking a snap in the NFL. The New York Jets quarterback, drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, made the announcement on Wednesday, citing long-term medical concerns stemming from the injury he suffered while playing for the then-undefeated Florida State Seminoles in 2023.

The 24-year-old quarterback, who turns 25 this week, issued a heartfelt handwritten statement via social media. “On November 18th, 2023, my life and career took an unexpected turn,” Travis wrote. “I gave everything I had to the rehab process, but despite my efforts, my leg never responded the way we hoped. After much prayer and consultation with my doctors and medical team, I have been medically advised to retire from the game I love so deeply.”

The Injury That Changed Everything

Travis’ injury occurred during a regular-season game against North Alabama at Doak Campbell Stadium. While scrambling, Travis was brought down by an apparent hip-drop tackle—a controversial technique that has sparked recent debate about its dangers. He landed awkwardly, fracturing and dislocating his left ankle.

The image of Travis writhing in pain was heartbreaking not only for Seminoles fans but for college football at large. Florida State, undefeated at the time, would go on to be controversially excluded from the College Football Playoff—a decision many believe was influenced by Travis’ absence from the lineup.

Despite the injury, Travis had a stellar senior year. He completed 64% of his passes, threw for 20 touchdowns and just two interceptions, and rushed for seven more scores. He led the Seminoles to an 11-0 record and a return to national prominence. His performance earned him a fifth-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting.

A Dream Cut Short

The Jets selected Travis with the 171st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, a move widely seen as a low-risk, high-reward investment in a player with immense potential—provided he could recover. The team was aware he would likely miss his rookie season due to continued rehabilitation, but there was hope that he might return to the field by 2025.

That hope never materialized.

Travis spent his entire rookie campaign on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. Despite undergoing surgery with renowned orthopedist Dr. Robert Anderson and rigorous rehabilitation efforts, the recovery fell short.

“Jordan has informed us of his intent to retire due to the injury he sustained while at Florida State,” said Jets general manager Darren Mougey in a statement. “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.”

A Disputed Rehab Timeline

Travis’ retirement comes amid lingering tension between his camp and the Jets organization over how his recovery was handled. In early March, his agent, Deiric Jackson, criticized the team’s approach in an interview with ESPN.

“His rehab with the Jets was not the best,” Jackson said. “They tried to rush him. It was too fast. There was pressure on the coaching staff, and they tried to get him going sooner than the timeline really was. That caused the setback, and we had to shut him down completely.”

While Jackson did not elaborate on the nature of the setback, the Jets maintained that they followed the protocol recommended by Dr. Anderson. At the time of the interview, Jackson had expressed optimism that Travis might return for the 2025 season.

That hope was extinguished this week.

A Message of Faith and Gratitude

In his retirement statement, Travis expressed deep gratitude to the Jets organization and to the sport that shaped his life. “Thank you to the Jets for believing in me and providing me with the opportunity to live out the ultimate dream,” he wrote. “It is  shocking how fast life can change. This is not the ending I had ever imagined, but I do trust The Lord’s Plan above all else.”

Travis also thanked his family, teammates, and fans, closing the chapter on a playing career that, while unfinished, left an indelible mark on college football and the NFL scouting community.

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What Could Have Been

Coming out of college, Travis was seen by many analysts as a possible hidden gem in the draft. His combination of athleticism, poise under pressure, and improved decision-making in his final season at Florida State had scouts buzzing. His career collegiate record of 28-10 as a starter speaks volumes about his leadership.

He began his college football journey at Louisville before transferring to Florida State in 2019. After a rocky start and multiple coaching changes, he eventually flourished under head coach Mike Norvell.

Travis once said that his ultimate goal was to succeed Aaron Rodgers as the Jets’ quarterback. “I do think about that a lot,” he told reporters shortly after being drafted. “It’s something that motivates me every day. To learn from a future Hall of Famer like Aaron is something most quarterbacks can only dream of.”

The Current Jets Quarterback Room

With Travis now officially stepping away from the game, the Jets’ quarterback situation remains focused on the present and near-term future. Their depth chart features:

• Justin Fields – acquired via trade from the Chicago Bears earlier this offseason and viewed as the long-term successor to Rodgers.
• Tyrod Taylor – a veteran presence signed from the New York Giants to serve as a reliable backup.
• Adrian Martinez – a former Kansas State quarterback who spent 2024 on the practice squad.
• Brady Cook – the former Missouri Tigers signal-caller signed as an undrafted free agent immediately after the 2025 draft.

Interestingly, the Jets did not select a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite questions surrounding Travis’ health status. It remains unclear whether the front office was informed of his pending retirement at the time.

A Broader Conversation About Player Safety

Travis’ career-ending injury has reignited concerns about player safety and the impact of hip-drop tackles. The NFL Competition Committee has already discussed potential rule changes surrounding the technique, and Travis’ injury may become a case study as the league deliberates.

Moreover, Travis’ story is a sobering reminder of the razor-thin margin between glory and heartbreak in professional sports. Despite tremendous talent and drive, injuries—particularly catastrophic ones—can derail even the most promising careers before they begin.

Tributes from Across the Football World

News of Travis’ retirement prompted an outpouring of support from current and former players, coaches, and fans.

FSU head coach Mike Norvell wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Jordan, you are one of the toughest and most inspirational players I’ve had the honor to coach. Your leadership helped bring Florida State back to national relevance. We’re all proud of you.”

Aaron Rodgers also posted a message on Instagram, writing: “Tough break for a talented kid. Wishing Jordan nothing but success in whatever comes next. He was grinding every day.”

What’s Next for Travis?

Though his playing career has come to a close, Travis has already hinted at plans to stay close to the game. During his time at Florida State, he showed a passion for film study, leadership, and mentorship—skills that could lend themselves well to coaching, analysis, or front-office work.

Whether it’s in coaching, media, or community involvement, Travis seems destined to remain a part of the football world. In his statement, he promised: “This is not the end of my journey with football—just the start of a new one.”

Final Thoughts

Jordan Travis’ story is a poignant one. A college star with all the tools to succeed in the NFL, he saw his dream cut short by one fateful play. His retirement, though sad, is filled with grace, gratitude, and hope for the future.

Football fans across the country will remember his electric runs, clutch throws, and unbreakable spirit. And while we may never see him suit up on Sundays, his impact—both on and off the field—will not be forgotten.