Jordan Travis was a former NFL quarterback and college football star for Florida State University. He initially began his collegiate career at University of Louisville before transferring over to FSU. Ahead of his college football career, Jordan Travis was a 3 star recruit out of The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Florida. Travis left University of Louisville after not seeing the playing field as much. Following Travis’s transfer into FSU, he later became a full time starting quarterback in his sophomore year (2020). Travis stood at 6’1” and 201lbs, which was around the average size of a quarterback.
Jordan Travis FSU Stats:
46 games (span 5 years / 38 starts)
8644 Passing Yards
65 Passing Touchdowns
19 Interceptions
62.5% Completion Percentage
2021 Rushing Yards
31 Rushing Touchdowns
5th in Heisman (2023)
Travis looked good through multiple seasons at FSU, but there was no “wow-ing” factor, until the 2023 season where he went off.
Jordan Travis 2023 FSU Stats:
11 games played (11 starts)
2756 Passing Yards
20 Passing Touchdowns
2 Interceptions
63.9% Completion Percentage
176 Rushing Yards
7 Rushing Touchdowns
11-0 Overall Record (1st in ACC)
Jordan Travis and the Seminoles were sitting at #1 in the AP Poll College Football Rankings after the 11games. On November 18, 2023, in a game against North Alabama, Travis suffered a severe leg injury. It was a fractured and dislocated left ankle, caused by the now banned hip-drop tackle. This injury ended his college career at FSU. After the Seminoles had lost their starting quarterback, even with a 13-0 record, the AP Poll had dropped FSU from the top 4, removing them from the CFB playoff bracket.
It was a controversial topic talked about by multiple networks and critics saying FSU was snubbed. Being the only undefeated team (13-0) was what made matters worse. Ultimately the talks of them being snubbed was shutdown after they got railed by University of Georgia in the #5 vs #6 Bowl Game. Despite his injury he had some really strong qualities. On the field as a field general he showcased his talent, leadership, and resilience, leaving as a Florida State football great and one of the best quarterbacks to ever do it. He was being compared to legendary FSU quarterbacks such as Jameis Winston, current QB2 for the New York Giants.
Despite the injury, Jordan Travis was highly recognized for his season. Before his injury he was a highly rated draft scout. After his injury he dropped a lot throughout the mock drafts, from first round prospect, all the way down to 7th round or the “undrafted free agent” status. At the end of the 2023 college football season, Travis did not leave unrecognized. He was 5th in the Heisman Award Voting and was voted as the 2023 ACC Player of the Year.
During the NFL Draft, one team managed to take a chance on Jordan Travis. With the 171st pick (5th Round) in the 2024 NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected Jordan Travis. They selected Travis in the 5th round because they saw significant upside in Travis. They saw him as a major steal in the draft. They loved his dual threat ability, playmaking ability, and potential to grow under veteran mentorship (when Aaron Rodgers was on the team).
Sadly things didn’t seem to work for Jordan Travis and the Jets. Travis had sadly announced on social media that his rehab for his leg wasn’t going well and he was retiring from the sport. Here is the letter:
Jordan Travis was a quarterback that had brought an FSU team back from the trenches. From losing record to a lossless team. He played every snap with poise and chip on his shoulder. Every touchdown scored and every pass completed was much bigger than a yard or score, but it was a meaning of a special talent, or greatness. Who knows if he was the next greatest quarterback in the NFL, or how many records he could’ve broken. But the crucial thing about playing the game of football which he most loved was it would not only give, but also take. And in this case it took his ability to play. One wrong hip-drop tackle. One ruined dream. Everything that he had worked for was just gone in an instant. However, he did something that most people couldn’t, stay positive. In his letter he thanked god and mentioned it was all a part of god’s plan. That’s something we can learn from Travis, to stay positive regardless of what comes in front of us.
I am writing about this to not just explain a story, but to teach us all a very simple lesson, not to take life for granted. A verse in the bible from James 4:14 states: “Whereas you do not know about tomorrow. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Though not many of you readers here are Christian or haven’t read the bible, the message is universal. We need to cherish every moment of our lives and every opportunity we receive. It is a blessing and we need to learn to be happy with what we have rather than spreading negativity such as hatred, sorrow, regret, and many more. This is something that would connect with me personally and maybe something that the world can too. I personally wish Jordan Travis the best in his life and wish nothing but success in his path. Thank you and God Bless.
