Jets QB, former FSU star Jordan Travis retires after long comeback attempt for leg injury

Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis is taken off the field after being injured during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against North Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley) (Colin Hackley, Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

NEW YORK — – Jordan Travis pushed through the struggles of a long and valiant comeback attempt from a serious leg injury until he was told it was time to finally walk away.

The New York Jets announced Wednesday that the quarterback informed them he will retire from playing football, a surprising NFL ending for the 24-year-old former Florida State star.

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Travis hurt his left leg during a game against North Alabama in November 2023, the last time he played in a game at any level. His left leg rolled under a defender, twisting his ankle awkwardly and fracturing it.

Travis was a fifth-round draft pick last year but spent last season on the Jets’ non-football injury list. The team will now place him on the reserve/retired list.

“On November 18, 2023, my life took an unexpected turn,” Travis said in a statement released by the Jets. “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, who finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting that year, completed 63.9% of his passes with 20 TDs and two interceptions — improving his draft stock while leading the Seminoles to an 11-0 start before his injury.