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New York Jets rookie quarterback Jordan Travis has the mentality needed to succeed in the NFL as the young signal-caller is already envisioning taking over the starting job from Aaron Rodgers.
Travis, who made sure to clarify that he’s mainly focused on getting healthy after suffering a devastating injury while at Florida State back in November, told the New York Post that he often imagines taking over the position from Rodgers if and when he moves on.
“I do think about that a lot, but right now I’m just focused on where my feet are — getting healthy, getting everybody around me better, being a great teammate,” Travis said in an interview with the New York Post.
“I’m just thankful to have a ball in my hand again and a helmet on my head,” Travis said. “Watching those guys throw, I love seeing guys compete.”
Despite his injury, the Jets selected Travis in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft which suggests that the organization believes that he can be developed into a viable backup or starting quarterback.
Travis’ issue, however, is that the Jets coach and general manager are facing make or break seasons: if the Jets don’t make the playoffs this year, both will likely be fired and a new regime will be brought in, and once that happens, all bets are off for both Rodgers and Travis.
Alternatively, if the Jets do make the playoffs, then Rodgers might stick around in New York in 2025 and beyond, meaning Travis will have to wait a few years before he’s able to see the field as the Jets’ starter.
If Travis is able to learn from Rodgers, then spending a few years backing him up could ultimately prove invaluable. Given how Rodgers reportedly treated his previous backup, Zach Wilson, last season, however, there’s no guarantee he’ll be the mentor that Travis hopes.