(AP) — Jordan Travis pushed by way of the struggles of a protracted and valiant comeback try from a severe leg damage till he was informed it was time to lastly stroll away.
The New York Jets introduced Wednesday that the quarterback knowledgeable them he’ll retire from enjoying soccer, a shocking NFL ending for the 24-year-old former Florida State star.
Travis harm his left leg throughout a sport towards North Alabama in November 2023, the final time he performed in a sport at any stage. His left leg rolled underneath a defender, twisting his ankle awkwardly and fracturing it.
Travis was a fifth-round draft decide final yr however spent final season on the Jets’ non-football damage record. The staff will now place him on the reserve/retired record.
“On November 18, 2023, my life took an sudden flip,” Travis stated in a press release launched by the Jets. “I gave every part I needed to the rehab course of however regardless of all my efforts, my leg by no means responded the best way we hoped. After a lot prayer and session with the docs, medical consultants and my agent, I’ve been medically suggested to retire from the sport I really like so deeply.”
Travis, who completed fifth within the Heisman Trophy voting that yr, accomplished 63.9% of his passes with 20 TDs and two interceptions — enhancing his draft inventory whereas main the Seminoles to an 11-0 begin earlier than his damage.
Shortly after being drafted, Travis acknowledged he had considered sometime changing Aaron Rodgers as New York’s quarterback. He additionally insisted he by no means had any doubts he would get better from his damage and play once more.
“No, sir. By no means,” he stated final Might. “I imply, I really like adversity. I really like waking up each single day and having to choose. It simply makes the story a complete lot cooler. I’ve at all times stated that, from the day I broke my leg till now.
“I like it, man. So, no, there’s by no means been a doubt in my thoughts.”
Travis’ agent Deiric Jackson informed ESPN in March that the Jets “tried to hurry” the quarterback’s rehabilitation and that brought on a setback in his restoration. The staff stated it adopted the plan created by Travis’ surgeon, and Jackson was “optimistic” the quarterback could be prepared for this season.
Jets common supervisor Darren Mougey declined to touch upon Travis final week throughout the draft when he was requested about his restoration.
“Jordan has knowledgeable us of his intent to retire as a result of damage he sustained whereas at Florida State,” Mougey stated in a press release Wednesday. “It’s unlucky that he was unable to get again on the sphere after working so laborious. We help his resolution and want him solely the most effective.”
In a hand-printed word posted on his X account, Travis stated he was “overwhelmed with gratitude” as he mirrored on his journey. He included his assertion that was shared by the Jets and thanked the staff for “believing in me and offering me with the chance to stay out the final word dream.” He additionally thanked his familiy, associates, coaches and teammates for his or her help.
“It’s loopy how briskly life can change,” Travis wrote. “This isn’t the ending I had ever imagined, however I do belief The Lord’s Plan above all else.”
