While some hoped that 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Travis could compete and win the role of backup to Justin Fields for the New York Jets in 2025, the quarterback announced his retirement from football on Wednesday.
"As I reflect on my journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude," Travis wrote in a letter that he posted on social media. "From having the opportunity to hearing my name called in the NFL draft. I am incredibly thankful for everyone who has poured into me throughout my life and career.
"To my family and friends - your unwavering support has meant everything to me. To the coaches who believed in me and gave me a chance to play the game I love - Thank You. To my teammates - thank you for pushing me, supporting me and becoming family. I am forever grateful for the locker room and brotherhood we built.
"To the entire New York Jets organization - thank you for believing in me and providing me with the opportunity to live out the ultimate dream.
"On November 18, 2023, my life and career took an unexpected turn. 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.
"It is crazy how fast life can change. This is not the ending I had ever imagined, but I do trust the Lord's plan above all... Thank you to everyone who's been a part of the ride."
Travis, 24, began his collegiate career at Louisville, where he appeared in just three games, completing four of his 14 passes and rushing for 40 yards.
In 2019, Travis transferred to Florida State and ended up spending five seasons with the Seminoles. In 46 games, he completed 62.5% of his passes for 8,644 yards, 65 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,910 yards and 31 scores while earning All-ACC honors twice and ACC Player of the Year once.
Travis suffered a brutal leg injury that cut his final season short and cost him in the draft, as he fell to the Jets in the fifth round. The injury also kept Travis off the field for the entirety of his rookie season.
Now, he's calling it a career before he even steps foot on an NFL field for the first time.
— Jordan Travis (@jordantrav13) April 30, 2025
At this point, the Jets have Fields, Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez and undrafted rookie Brady Cook in their quarterback room led by new position coach Charles London, who joined the team after two one-year stops with the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks in the last two years.
Fields will be the starter, and it looks like Taylor is set to be the backup, barring any other additions. Martinez and Cook will fight it out for a potential third spot on the 53-man roster or a place on the practice squad.
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