We are saddened to report that Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a severe lower leg injury during the Seminoles’ recent home finale against North Alabama. This article from Goldsport will examine the graphic video of Travis’ injury, detail the unfortunate FSU QB injury video incident in which it occurred, and analyze the aftermath and impact on FSU’s season. Travis’ injury came as a shock to players, coaches and fans alike. The gruesome nature of the injury footage has left many unsettled beyond just the FSU family. As Goldsport strives to provide in-depth coverage, we warn readers that video replays and images included in this piece are highly graphic.
Travis Suffers Severe Leg Injury Against North Alabama
The final home game in Doak Campbell Stadium of the 2023 season has not gone how Florida State was anticipating. North Alabama came out with a chip on its shoulder and swiftly built a 13-0 lead.
That left the Seminoles in need of a response in a big way. Instead, the team lost starting quarterback Jordan Travis to what appears to be a serious injury. On the first play of Florida State’s third drive of the night, Travis chose to keep the ball on an option. While scrambling upfield, he was tackled at an odd angle by a North Alabama defender. As the defender tried to bring him down, Travis seemed to have his leg caught under the player and twisted.
Immediately following the play, it was clear that Travis was in major pain. Players from both teams who were nearby reacted to the injury, including running back Trey Benson, who was in tears. Trainers rushed over to Travis and it didn’t long before an air cast was placed on his left leg.
[evp_embed_video url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3U9BlH80LY” poster=”” template=”mediaelement”]Emotional Scene as Travis Carts Off
Video of the injury has been attached below. Please note before viewing, the following sequence is graphic and could be upsetting. The redshirt senior stayed down for a couple of minutes before being placed on a cart. Travis was surrounded by the entirety of the Seminoles and Lions in a heart-touching moment prior to being taken off the field.
Prior to going down, Travis completed 2/4 passes for 21 yards while rushing once for 16 yards. Redshirt junior Tate Rodemaker replaced him in the lineup as the Seminoles continued their offensive possession.
Travis was honored prior to kickoff for his career in Tallahassee during Senior Day. He has multiple family members in attendance for the game.
Florida State trailed 13-3 in the early stages of the second quarter following the injury.
Details of the Play Where the Injury Occurred
The injury to Travis came on 1st and 10 from the FSU 25 yard line with 9:27 left in the 2nd quarter. FSU had the ball down 13-0 and was looking to mount a drive.
Travis took the snap and ran a read option to the right. He decided to keep the ball, tucking it and scrambling upfield. A North Alabama linebacker converged on Travis to make the tackle after a gain of about 5 yards. As the linebacker dove at Travis’ legs, his left leg got caught awkwardly underneath the defender as they both went to the ground.
Travis’ lower left leg instantly buckled and twisted in a gruesome manner, made even worse by the weight of the linebacker crashing down as well. Travis let out an anguished scream immediately, writhing in pain and motioning to his left leg.
Video and Images of the Injury
The severity of the injury became terribly clear on video replay. As Travis tries to run forward, his leg is fully extended when the defender makes contact at his shins. This left Travis’ leg locked out with nowhere to go as the linebacker’s shoulder pads crashed into his knee.
Slow motion replays show Travis’ knee and ankle bend in opposite and unnatural directions from the awkward angle. A zoomed in still image highlights just how badly his lower leg buckles under the pressure.
Teammates who had a direct view of the incident from the field reacted with horror and anguish. Video shows running back Trey Benson breaking down in tears just yards away from Travis as trainers rushed to his aid.
The disturbing visual of Travis’ leg twisting violently combined with his cries of pain left many shaken up beyond just Travis’ teammates.
On-Field Medical Attention and Response
The medical staff immediately called for the injury timeout as soon as Travis went down and signaled for the cart to come out. Trainers stabilized Travis’ left leg in an air cast to immobilize the severely damaged knee and ankle. Based on the visual nature of the injury, it was clear Travis’ leg was likely broken and required urgent medical attention off-site.
It took a couple minutes to get Travis in a state to move him off the field. Travis appeared to be in excruciating pain during this process. He acknowledged the crowd which was chanting his name in support, despite what was certainly immense suffering.
Once stabilized on the cart and loaded up, the entire Florida State and North Alabama teams gathered around Travis in a touching tribute. All the players kneeled in solidarity around Travis, many appearing to offer words of encouragement. Some players prayed together as Travis departed, recognizing the severity of the situation.
Game Situation Following the Injury
The gruesome injury to Jordan Travis couldn’t have come at a worse time for Florida State. At the time of the injury, FSU trailed North Alabama 13-0 in a shocking upset bid by the Lions.
Losing their veteran starting quarterback forced the Seminoles to turn to redshirt junior Tate Rodemaker in the 2nd quarter. Rodemaker came in facing a two-score deficit needing to mount a comeback.
Having to play from behind took away FSU’s ability to lean on the running game. It also pressed Rodemaker into throwing more often against an inspired North Alabama defense with the Lions smelling blood in the water.
Rodemaker settled in after some initial struggles, getting Florida State on the board with a field goal in his first series following the injury. But losing Travis severely hampered the Seminoles offense the rest of the way.
Travis’ Football Career and Meaning to FSU
The injury to Jordan Travis in the North Alabama game brings a premature and heartbreaking end to what has been an incredible Florida State career. Travis overcame long odds to become the Seminoles starting quarterback in 2021 after transferring from Louisville.
In two seasons at the helm, Travis threw for 4,233 yards with 34 touchdowns while adding 1,282 rushing yards and 14 TDs on the ground. The athletic quarterback brought a dynamic running threat to the offense.
Beyond the stats, Travis emerged as an unquestioned leader for the Seminoles. Head coach Mike Norvell called Travis “the heart and soul” of the team with his tireless work ethic and desire to lift his teammates. Travis played through numerous injuries, never missing a start prior to the North Alabama game.
Travis’ improbable rise to the top of the FSU depth chart made him a fan favorite. He flipped his early career struggles at Louisville into success, proving his doubters wrong by becoming one of the ACC’s top quarterbacks.
Impact of Injury on Remainder of FSU’s Season
Losing their quarterback and emotional leader is a devastating blow for the Florida State Seminoles. With ACC title and bowl hopes on the line, the team must adjust to life without Travis guiding the offense.
Freshman Tate Rodemaker takes over the starting job. While talented, Rodemaker lacks Travis’ experience and dangerous rushing ability that opened up the offense. Expect Florida State to rely more on their deep stable of running backs the rest of the way.
FSU had hoped to make a push for a New Year’s Six bowl over the final weeks. But without Travis, merely becoming bowl eligible appears more realistic. The Seminoles remaining schedule still features dangerous games against rival Florida and a road matchup with Syracuse.
The injury likely ends any far-fetched hopes Florida State had of crashing the College Football Playoff. But the team is still motivated to claim the program’s first ACC championship since 2014. Doing so would complete an incredible turnaround for Norvell’s group after three straight losing seasons.
Fan Reaction and Outpouring of Support
The scene inside Doak Campbell Stadium turned from festive to fearful after Travis’ gruesome injury. Fans who were clamoring for a Senior Day win to honor Travis went silent as he lay injured on the turf.
Video from the stands shows supporters turning away or covering their eyes, unable to watch replays of the damage to Travis’ leg. Audible gasps and yells rang out from the crowd as the severity set in.
Florida State fans quickly rallied behind their fallen leader. Twitter came alive with words of encouragement and prayers for Travis after he left in the cart. One heartfelt tweet read “Whatever happens, thank you Jordan for giving us your absolute all.”
The Seminole faithful sincerely appreciated Travis sacrificing his body all season long to lead FSU’s resurgence. They channeled that support into uplifting the redshirt senior who had given so much for the program.
Expectations for Travis’ Return and Recovery
Given the brutal nature of the injury, it seems highly unlikely Jordan Travis will be able to return to action this season. Lower leg injuries like those Travis suffered often require many months of intensive rehab and care before the player can return to football activities.
At minimum, Travis figures to miss the remainder of the 2023 season while working back from the severe knee and ankle damage. Doctors will thoroughly assess the injury once the swelling subsides to determine if surgery is necessary.
Fortunately, Travis has another year of eligibility for 2024 that he could pursue. FSU would gladly welcome back #13 with open arms if he can make a full recovery. Travis has proven resilient in overcoming injuries before, so he could defy the odds to play again.
Throughout rehab, Travis is expected to remain an integral part of the team as a leader, mentor and coach on the sideline. The coaching staff and players will continue leaning on his insight through this difficult transition.
Final Thoughts on the Significance of the Injury
Jordan Travis’ heartbreaking injury casts a pall over the closing stretch of Florida State’s season. Losing their fearless quarterback weeks before the ACC Championship game is an enormous obstacle to overcome.
The gasp-inducing incident also serves as a reminder of the brutality and fragility of football. One awkward tackle altered Travis’ senior year in an instant. The shocking end reinforces how quickly fortunes can change in this dangerous sport.
For Travis, the leg injury concludes his storybook career in heartbreaking fashion. The scene of him leaving the home finale in an air cast is a sad one for the entire Seminole family given his invaluable contributions. However, the outpouring of support proves Travis left a permanent mark at FSU.
The team now looks to rally together in their fallen leader’s honor. Backups like Tate Rodemaker must grow up fast for Florida State to salvage their ACC title hopes. That road to redemption continues against Louisiana next week as the ‘Noles process playing on without their inspirational quarterback.
The information provided in this article has been synthesized from multiple sources, which may include Wikipedia.org and various newspapers. While we have made diligent efforts to verify the accuracy of the information, we cannot guarantee that every detail is 100% accurate and verified. As a result, we recommend exercising caution when citing this article or using it as a reference for your research or reports.
