Former New York Jets quarterback Jordan Travis has accused team owner Woody Johnson of making ‘slick comments’ regarding his leg injury, which contributed to Travis’ decision to retire from professional football. The comments, revealed during an episode of Travis’ podcast, were described as being ‘not obviously to that point’ but still unsettling for Travis.
Travis was drafted by the Jets in the fifth round last year, following a devastating leg injury he suffered in his final season at Florida State. Despite extensive rehabilitation efforts, his leg did not recover as hoped, eventually leading to his forced retirement. In a statement released in April, Travis acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, saying, ‘After much prayer and consultation with the doctors, medical experts and my agent, I’ve been medically advised to retire from the game I love so deeply.’
During a recent podcast interview, Travis recounted the alleged interactions with Johnson, who is known for his vocal opinions on the team’s performance and player dynamics. Travis suggested that Johnson made comments about his injury, which, while not overtly harmful, made him feel uncomfortable. ‘There were things said to me, not obviously to that point because I never got on the field to play, but about my leg,’ Travis stated. ‘Like, just slick comments I don’t know if he was trying to be slick about it.’
The Jets organization did not respond to requests for comment on the matter, leaving the accusations without an official response. However, the team’s current situation remains complex, with quarterback Justin Fields emerging as a key figure after leading the Jets to an improbable 39-38 comeback victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. This win marked the team’s first of the season, and Fields’ performance, including a moving press conference where he expressed his emotional journey, has been widely praised.
Meanwhile, the Jets are considering alternative options for their quarterback position, with Tyrod Taylor being a potential starter following Fields’ dramatic win. Taylor, however, was ruled out due to a knee injury, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s offensive strategy. Travis, while acknowledging Fields’ success, expressed admiration for his resilience, saying, ‘It’s really cool, inspired me, I freaking reposted it on my Instagram. Now, it’s his chance, he’s getting his attention, God still has his hand on him the whole time.’