Former Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis has officially informed the New York Jets that he intends to retire from football, just over a year after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The decision comes following a grueling recovery process from a devastating leg injury suffered in his final college game that ultimately cut short a promising professional future.
Jordan Travis Tells New York Jets He Plans To Retire From Football
Travis, who suffered a horrific injury to his left leg during Florida State’s Nov. 18, 2023, matchup against North Alabama, made the announcement after medical professionals advised him that his leg had not healed as expected despite extensive rehabilitation.
— Jordan Travis (@jordantrav13) April 30, 2025
Before the injury that ended both his season and Florida State’s College Football Playoff hopes, Travis was in the midst of a career year. He completed 63.9% of his passes for 2,756 yards, tallying 20 touchdowns and just two interceptions, leading the Seminoles to an 11-0 record. His outstanding performance earned him a fifth-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting.
The West Palm Beach, Fla., native transferred from Louisville to Florida State and quickly cemented his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in program history. Over 46 games (38 starts), Travis passed for 8,644 yards, 65 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions, while also contributing significantly with his legs.
In total, he accounted for a school-record 99 total touchdowns and 10,665 yards of total offense, surpassing the legendary Chris Weinke.
Travis also became the first FSU quarterback to defeat Miami three times, and he ended his career on a 17-game winning streak, the longest by a Seminoles QB in decades. His 28 wins as a starting quarterback ranks second in Florida State history.
Despite the serious injury, Travis’s football IQ, leadership, and dual-threat capabilities convinced the Jets to select him 171st overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The team had hoped Travis could eventually develop into a solid backup or even challenge for a starting role down the line.
Unfortunately, his leg never fully recovered. After spending the 2024 preseason on the Non-Football Injury list, Travis was eventually placed on the reserve/retired list in April 2025.
With the Jets’ current quarterback room featuring Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Adrian Martinez, Travis’s retirement creates a void the team may look to fill, though Brady Cook, a former Missouri QB, has already been signed as an undrafted free agent.
KEEP READING: Is This ‘The Year’ for Florida State, Mike Norvell? Seminoles Coach Looking For Redemption After Embarrassing 2024 Season
While his NFL journey ends before it truly began, Travis leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and excellence. Florida State fans will long remember the grit, passion, and game-changing ability he brought to the field every Saturday.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
