Shockwaves Through the NFL: Why the New York Jets’ Star QB’s Sudden Retirement Has Fans Buzzing

If there’s one thing the NFL—and especially Jets fans—have learned, it’s that dreams can be as fragile as a perfectly executed Hail Mary in the final seconds. Jordan Travis, a promising fifth-round pick from Florida State, seemed poised to carve out a surprising niche in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Yet, fate dealt a cruel hand: a devastating leg injury from his college days refused to heal, forcing him to hang up his cleats before ever taking a single snap as a Jet. It makes you wonder—how many potential stars quietly fade away before they ever get their moment in the limelight? Sometimes, the hardest part about football isn’t the opposition on the field but the injuries that never quite let you play. For the Jets, the timing couldn’t be worse, and fans are left to ponder what might have been. Still, there’s honor in knowing when to move on. For Jordan, this is just the beginning of a new chapter. LEARN MORE.

The New York Jets hoped they had found a diamond in the rough when they drafted former Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis in the fifth-round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, the injury that ended his college career has now ended his professional career as well. 

On Wednesday, Travis announced his decision to retire. He said that the severe leg injury he suffered in November 2023 while he was still playing for the Seminoles has simply not healed. Travis said that he has been medically advised to retire.

“On November 18, 2023, my life took an unexpected turn,” Travis said in a statement. “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.”

Jets general manager Darren Mougey also wished Travis well in his future endeavors.

“Jordan has informed us of his intent to retire due to the injury he sustained while at Florida State,” Mougey said. “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.”

QB Jordan Travis has informed the Jets of his intention to retire.

— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 30, 2025

Jets fans were saddened to hear that Travis was being forced to retire without even playing a snap for them.

“Medically advised to retire as well. Such a bummer man, was looking forward to seeing what he’d be able to put together, when he got healthy,” one Jets fan wrote on X.

“This is definitely sad to hear, hopefully he either finds a different way to stay involved in the NFL or finds a new passion,” wrote another.

“Man that’s tough, wanted to see what he had going into training camp this year. Heard nothing but great things about his time at FSU when they drafted him. Bad injury, rough setbacks in rehab. Sucks man,” wrote a third.

The timing of the announcement is pretty rough for the Jets as they did not use any draft capital on a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft just a few days ago. Granted, they have a slew of pressing needs at other positions that probably outweigh the need for a third-string quarterback. 

Then again, injuries have hit the Jets hard at the quarterback position in recent years. Drafting a quarterback even in the fifth, sixth or seventh rounds might have been useful.

We wish Travis the best in his retirement.

Related: Florida State Star Quarterback Jordan Travis Appears To Suffer Significant Injury