Jordan Travis, the former Florida State quarterback, couldn’t contain his emotions as he faced reporters during a video conference, marking a poignant moment following his selection by the New York Jets in the fifth round on Saturday.
For Travis, whose promising 2023 season came to a halt due to a severe left ankle fracture last November, this opportunity signifies a fresh start amidst a quarterback depth chart boasting future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers and seasoned backup Tyrod Taylor. As the eighth quarterback chosen and the first from Florida State since Jameis Winston’s selection in 2015, Travis steps into a pivotal role within the Jets organization.
The Jets’ pursuit of a developmental quarterback intensified after the trade of Zach Wilson, the No. 2 pick in 2021, to the Denver Broncos earlier in the week. General manager Joe Douglas has articulated his ambition to transform the Jets into a “quarterback factory,” a sentiment echoed in the decision to select Travis.
Coach Robert Saleh lauds Travis as a “dynamic player,” poised to benefit from the wealth of experience shared by Rodgers and Taylor, collectively spanning 34 years.
In a subsequent move during the fifth round, the Jets secured Qwan’tez Stiggers, a former CFL player who transitioned from cornerback for the Toronto Argonauts. Stiggers’s selection marks a rare occurrence in the NFL draft history, as he becomes the third player since 1967 to be drafted without college attendance and the first CFL player with no college background to be drafted.
For Travis, sidelined from scouting combine and pro day activities due to his injury, the path to his return remains uncertain. While he refrains from speculating on his timeline, discussions with Jets’ medical staff will shed light on his recovery trajectory.
Douglas maintains a cautious outlook on Travis’s return, hinting at a potentially extended absence from the field, emphasizing the importance of patience and thorough evaluation.
Travis’s journey has been marked by highs and lows, from his Heisman Trophy candidacy to the abrupt end of his 2023 season. Despite the setbacks, his prowess as a dual-threat quarterback remains evident, reflected in his record-breaking achievements at Florida State.
Similarly, Stiggers’s narrative reflects resilience and determination, overcoming personal tragedy and adversity to excel in both the CFL and now the NFL. As the Jets navigate their crowded cornerback room, Stiggers embodies a long-term project, mirroring Travis’s journey of perseverance and growth in pursuit of NFL success.
