Jordan Travis thinks about being Jets' QB of future 'a lot,' but focus is on getting healthy, better
While Aaron Rodgers isn’t expected to have any restrictions for organized team activities, the Jets are hoping their younger quarterback waiting in the wings is able to return for training camp.
Rookie Jordan Travis, whose college career at Florida State ended with a broken leg in November, is still recovering from his injury with an eye on July and August for a return to action.
“I feel great. Just focusing on today,” Travis said in his Saturday news conference when asked about being ready for camp. “Every day I got rehab I’m just giving my best. I’m just trying to get ready as fast as possible. Obviously, that’s the goal, but obviously I want to be 100 percent too. Yeah, just trying to get 100 percent, getting better every day.”
When he does finally take the field, he’ll do so as the No. 3 QB behind Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor, eager to pick their mind to quicken his development in the NFL.
“I’m gonna ask a lot of questions for sure, because obviously you have two great quarterbacks ahead of you,” he said. “I’ve been looking up to them for a long time and watching them for a long time, so having an opportunity to pick their brains ever single day. See how they treat their teammates. See how they carry themselves off and on the field, so I look forward to it for sure.”
And whatever he gains by osmosis could potentially pay dividends for the Jets down the road.
Unlike three years ago, when New York missed on Zach Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft and started him from Day 1, the Jets now have a future Hall of Famer under center to teach their prospective QB of the future the ropes.
A low-risk investment as a fifth-round pick, Travis isn’t guaranteed to end up taking the reins when Rodgers eventually lets them go.
He does have all the tools at his disposal should New York properly develop him, though. The 24-year-old flourished during his final collegiate season before the gruesome leg injury cut it short. He threw for 2,756 yards, 20 touchdowns and two interceptions. He won both ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year, and he finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting.
He left Florida State as the school’s career leader in total yards of offense (10,554), rushing yards by a QB (1,910) and rushing TDs by a QB (31).
Just as importantly, he’s clawed back from injury to reach the NFL.
“Never. I mean I love adversity,” Travis said when asked if he ever doubted he would play again. “I love waking up every single day and having to make a choice. It just makes the story a whole lot cooler. I’ve always said that from the day I broke my leg until now. I love it. There’s never been a doubt in my mind.”
Now, with the luxury of being able to take time to get right and get acclimated, Travis can maintain his focus on perfecting the little things needed to succeed as a pro — even if eventually proving himself part of the succession plan remains a constant in the back of his mind.
“I do think about that a lot,” Travis said about possibly taking over for Rodgers. “But right now I’m just focused where my feet are. Just getting healthy and getting everybody around me better. Being a great teammate.”
As for if he sees himself as a starter in the league, he’s as adamant as he was about returning from his injury.
“Yes, sir. 100 percent,” Travis said.
The current goal remains returning to full health for training camp. After that, he’ll have a chance to back that confidence up.