(AP) – Jordan Travis was told it was time to push forward in the struggle of a long, brave comeback attempt from a serious leg injury and finally leave.
The New York Jets announced Wednesday that the quarterback will be retiring from football, the surprising NFL ending for the 24-year-old former Florida star.
Travis injured his left foot during a November 2023 match against North Alabama. His left leg twitched under the defender, causing him to break a fracture.
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Travis was his fifth draft pick last year, but last season he spent the Jets on the non-football injury list. The team will put him on the sanctuary/retirement list.
“On November 18th, 2023, my life had an unexpected turn,” Travis said in a statement released by the Jets. “I gave everything I had in the rehabilitation process, but despite all my efforts, my feet never responded the way we wanted. After many prayers and consultations with doctors, medical professionals and my agents, I was medically advised to retire from the game I love so much.”
Travis, who finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy that year, completed 63.9% of his passes with 20 TDs and two interceptions.
Shortly after being drafted, Travis admitted that he was thinking of replacing Aaron Rodgers as New York quarterback one day. He also insisted that he had no doubts that he would recover from his injury and play again.
“No, sir. Never,” he said last May. “I mean, I love adversity. I love having to wake up and make choices every day, which keeps the story cooler.
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“I love it, man. So, no, I had no doubts in my heart.”
Travis agent Deiric Jackson told ESPN in March that Jets “hurried” to rehabilitate the quarterback, which caused a setback in his recovery. The team followed a plan created by Travis’ surgeons, and said Jackson was “optimistic” to be ready for this season.
Jets general manager Darren Moosy declined to comment on Travis, the draft, who was asked about his recovery during the draft last week.
“Jordan has informed us of his intention to retire due to his injuries in Florida,” Moogie said in a statement Wednesday. “It’s a shame he couldn’t get back on the field after he worked so hard. We stand by his decision and hope that he’s the best.”
In a hand-printed note posted to his X account, Travis said he was “overwhelmed by gratitude” as he looked back on his journey. He thanked the team for “believing in me and providing me with the opportunity to survive in the ultimate dream,” including his statement shared by the Jets. He also thanked his family, friends, coaches and teammates for the support they had.
“It’s crazy how quickly your life changes,” writes Travis. “This is not the ending I’ve ever imagined, but I trust the Lord’s plan more than anything else.”
