A stunner.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter shared on social media that Jordan Travis “informed” the New York Jets of his decision to retire.
Shortly after that news went public, Schefter revealed a statement from Travis:
“On November 18, 2023, my life took an unexpected turn. I gave everything I had to the rehab process but despite all my efforts, my leg never responded the way we hoped. After much prayer and consultation with the doctors, medical experts, and my agent, I’ve been medically advised to retire from the game I love so deeply,” Travis said.
Travis had three years remaining on his $4.2 million rookie contract.
The College Injury Proved Too Much to Overcome
Travis, 24, was selected with the No. 171 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Before he was selected, Travis suffered “a fractured and dislocated ankle that also stretched some ligaments” during his final season at Florida State, per NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.
Orthopedist Dr. Robert Anderson, who performed the surgery, still expected Travis to be cleared in time for his first training camp last summer, Pelissero revealed on April 24, 2024.
That never happened. Travis wasn’t able to suit up for a game last season, let alone a practice.
The Jets later admitted that he suffered setbacks during his rehab that resulted in him not practicing or playing.
Travis posted a longer statement on social media that he wrote down on a notepad explaining his decision to retire from the NFL.
The Jets Did Not Select a QB During the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL draft came and went without the Jets selecting a quarterback.
That was good news for Travis. If another developmental passer had been added to the rotation, that could have placed his roster spot in jeopardy.
However, now that Travis’ football career is over, the Jets are left without an obvious long-term potential answer at the position unless you include Justin Fields in that category.
That leaves the Jets with only four quarterbacks on the roster: Fields, Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez, and undrafted free agent Brady Cook.
“Jordan has informed us of his intent to retire due to the injury he sustained while at Florida State,” GM Darren Mougey said in an official statement via Eric Allen. “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.”
Field has already been crowned as the QB1 heading into the meat of the offseason. The Jets have stated their belief in him publicly and privately. However, actions speak louder than words.
Not only did the Jets state their love for Fields during press conferences, but they proved it during the draft. Instead of being tempted by the many young passers, they opted to build around Fields.
24-Year-Old Jets QB Abruptly Retires, Releases Statement: Report