Despite a season-ending Achilles injury, quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains the starting quarterback for the New York Jets in 2024. However, rookie Jordan Travis aspires to succeed Rodgers in the long run, with support from head coach Robert Saleh.
Four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers has been cleared to return to the starting role for the New York Jets in the upcoming 2024 season. However, his eventual successor may already be on the roster in rookie quarterback Jordan Travis.
Travis, a fifth-round pick in last month's NFL Draft, has expressed his admiration for Rodgers and his desire to learn from the veteran quarterback.
"I do think about that a lot," Travis said, via ESPN, "but right now I'm just focused where my feet are, just getting healthy and getting everybody around me better, being a great teammate."
While Travis remains focused on his recovery from a leg injury, Jets coach Robert Saleh has hinted that the rookie could be ready for training camp.
"I feel like he's kind of a ball of clay," Saleh said. "He's a tremendously talented young man and extremely gifted, especially athletically. He's got a lot of work to do, he hasn't even scratched the surface. He's winning games doing things that were just pure athleticism, and if we can tie the football part to it, I think we've got ourselves a damn good player."
Travis expressed his excitement about the opportunity to learn from Rodgers.
"It's a blessing, for sure," Travis said. "I want to learn everything. I want to pick his brain on everything he does: how he treats his teammates, how he carries himself on the field, off the field. I can't wait."
Despite suffering a gruesome leg injury in November, Travis never doubted his ability to return to the gridiron.
"Never," Travis said. "I mean, I love adversity. 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 had that from the day I broke my leg until now. So I love it. So there's never been a doubt."
Rodgers has publicly stated his desire to play "two or three or four" more NFL seasons, but his longevity ultimately hinges on his physical condition. Travis's potential emergence as a successor ensures a bright future for the Jets at the quarterback position.
Meanwhile, veteran signal-caller Tyrod Taylor is expected to serve as the backup quarterback in 2024, providing mentorship to both Rodgers and Travis.
The Jets will enter the 2024 season with a newfound optimism, as they anticipate a healthy Rodgers at the helm and a promising future with Travis waiting in the wings.
