Jordan Travis never took a snap in a New York Jets uniform, but his leadership left a lasting impression on every team he touched.
Speaking to reporters Saturday, Jets cornerback Azareye’h Thomas reflected on his time with Travis at Florida State, praising the quarterback’s impact on and off the field.
“He was a great teammate, really the best leader I have ever played with. It was unfortunate, but like I always say, everything happens for a reason; there is always a greater purpose for everything.”
Travis and Thomas overlapped at Florida State for two seasons (2022-23).
Travis entered the league with promise, selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft as a developmental quarterback with intriguing upside. At the time, he was rehabbing from the ankle injury he suffered late in his final college season.
During the 2023 season at Florida State, Travis had been in the midst of a Heisman-caliber campaign, guiding the Seminoles to an unbeaten regular season, when a severe ankle injury abruptly ended his season. He passed for 2,756 yards and 20 touchdowns against just two interceptions, completing nearly 64% of his attempts while rushing for seven touchdowns.
Despite the college success, Travis never got the chance to compete in the NFL, retiring earlier this offseason. Lingering medical setbacks from the injury prevented him from being cleared to play, and questions soon emerged about how his recovery was handled.
Speaking with ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Travis’ agent, Deiric Jackson, criticized the Jets for allegedly rushing the quarterback’s timeline and mismanaging the process.
While injuries derailed his NFL career, Travis’ leadership will remain valuable to teammates like Thomas.