Tension had been building between the New York Jets and 2024 fifth-round pick Jordan Travis, well before he announced his retirement.
Speaking on the “Flight Deck Podcast,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that the Jets were aware Travis was struggling in his rehab long before the retirement became official, with strain growing between the two sides.
“I am guessing they did [know of Travis’ retirement before the draft],” said Cimni. “And if they didn’t, they certainly knew he was struggling in his rehab. I think there has been some tension in that relationship.
“The Jets certainly were not happy when Travis’ agent told me that he thought the Jets botched the rehab last year, and I know the agent got an earful from the Jets,” he continued. “I think both sides agreed to shut down all talks regarding Travis’ health.”
Jordan Travis’ retirement ends a brief and complicated stint with the New York Jets.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft, Travis was seen as a long-term project, a quarterback with raw talent and potential who, given time, might develop into a capable NFL starter.
He had been in the middle of a standout season at Florida State before a devastating ankle injury cut his 2023 campaign short.
Travis led the Seminoles to an undefeated regular season, throwing for 2,756 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just two interceptions, while adding seven rushing scores. He also completed nearly 64% of his passes and was firmly in the Heisman Trophy conversation before going down in November.
However, his NFL career never got off the ground. Medical complications stalled his recovery, and he was never cleared to return to the field.
Tension began to build. Travis’ agent, Deiric Jackson, told Cimini that the Jets mishandled the recovery process and tried to rush the signal-caller back onto the field, a comment that reportedly didn’t sit well with the team.
Shortly after, Travis removed all Jets mentions from his social media, hinting at deeper frustrations behind the scenes.
Travis retries without ever practicing or taking a snap in New York, and his time with the Jets is defined not by play, but by questions of what could have been.
