New York Jets backup quarterback Jordan Travis is retiring from soccer having by no means performed a down within the NFL.
Travis, who suffered a ugly leg damage whereas taking part in in 2023 for then-undefeated Florida State, introduced Wednesday that his surgically repaired left leg hasn’t absolutely recovered and that he has determined to stroll away primarily based on recommendation from docs.
“On November 18th, 2023, my life and profession took an surprising flip,” Travis mentioned in an announcement. “I gave every thing I needed to the rehab course of, however regardless of my efforts, my leg by no means responded the way in which we hoped. After a lot prayer and session with my docs and medical group, I’ve been medically suggested to retire from the sport I really like so deeply.”
The Jets chosen Travis, who turns 25 on Friday, within the fifth spherical (No. 171) of the 2024 draft. They knew he confronted continued rehab, however they felt it was definitely worth the threat due to his upside. Initially, there was hope that he can be cleared to follow in some unspecified time in the future, however that by no means occurred. He spent your complete season on the non-football damage listing.
Normal supervisor Darren Mougey, who wasn’t with the group when Travis was drafted, declined to remark on the conclusion of final weekend’s draft when requested concerning the quarterback’s well being standing.
“Jordan has knowledgeable us of his intent to retire because of the damage he sustained whereas at Florida State,” Mougey mentioned in an announcement Wednesday. “It’s unlucky that he was unable to get again on the sector after working so arduous. We help his determination and want him solely the perfect.”
It is unclear whether or not the Jets knew about Travis’ retirement plans in the course of the draft. They opted to not draft a quarterback. Their present depth chart is led by Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. After these two, they’ve Adrian Martinez, a follow squad participant in 2024. Former Missouri quarterback Brady Prepare dinner has agreed to a contract as an undrafted free agent.
In early March, Travis’ agent, Deiric Jackson, was crucial of the Jets, telling ESPN, “His rehab with the Jets was not the perfect. They tried to hurry him. It was too quick. There was stress on the teaching workers, they usually tried to get him going before the timeline actually was. That triggered the setback, and we needed to shut him down fully.”
Jackson declined to specify the character of the setback. The Jets mentioned they adopted the rehab protocol prescribed by Travis’ surgeon, orthopedist Robert Anderson. On the time of the interview with ESPN, Jackson mentioned he was “optimistic” that Travis can be prepared for the 2025 season.
In a handwritten assertion posted to social media, Travis thanked the Jets “for believing in me and offering me with the chance to stay out the final word dream.”
Travis additionally wrote, “It’s loopy how briskly life can change. This isn’t the ending I had ever imagined, however I do belief The Lord’s Plan above all else.”
His soccer profession ended on a scramble in opposition to North Alabama. On an obvious hip-drop sort out, he landed awkwardly and suffered a fractured and dislocated left ankle. Weeks later, it sparked controversy. Regardless of an undefeated season, Florida State was excluded from the School Soccer Playoff.
Travis completed fifth within the Heisman Trophy voting after finishing 64% of his passes with 20 landing passes and solely two interceptions whereas main the Seminoles to an 11-0 document. He started his profession at Louisville, transferred to Florida State and produced a 28-10 beginning document.
After being drafted by the Jets, Travis mentioned his objective was to succeed Aaron Rodgers at some point.
“I do take into consideration that so much,” he mentioned.