Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis was seriously injured against North Alabama on Saturday night.
A rough tackle brought down the Heisman-contending quarterback, causing him to be carted off the field in his final home game. The Seminoles trailed the FCS's North Alabama 13-0 with less than two minutes left in the first quarter. Travis had only four passing attempts before his injury and completed half of them for 21 yards.
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Here's the latest on Travis's injury.
Jordan Travis injury update
As the Seminoles honored their seniors before the game, Travis went last. Fans knew it would be the last time they'd see him play in Tallahassee, but they didn't know it may be the last time he plays for Florida State.
He ran for 16 yards for a first down and was brought down by the Lions' Shaun Myers. Travis's left leg appeared to get caught under him during the tackle, twisting awkwardly. The redshirt senior was immediately carted off and taken to a nearby hospital for further examination. With what appears to be a lower leg injury, it would be surprising to see him return this season.
Oh no... the cart has come out for Jordan Travis... pic.twitter.com/7Tco5t7fYM
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) November 19, 2023
"Jordan is so, so important to this team, and not just as the quarterback, but just who he is and what he stands for. It was emotional. It was emotional for everybody. Can't say I blocked it out," Florida State coach Mike Norvell said after the game.
Florida State announced on Monday that Travis' season, and Seminole career, was over due to the injury in a statement from the quarterback.
I truly cannot thank everyone enough for the many thoughts, prayers and messages that have been sent my way. I have been overwhelmed by the support from my teammates, coaches, the Florida State community and those all around the world. Although the injury I sustained on November 18th, 2023, marks the end of my Seminole playing career, the great memories created here at FSU will never fade. Being the quarterback here at Florida State University has been a dream come true. I am humbled, honored and forever grateful. The journey this team set out on is not over yet as all of our goals still lie just ahead. I am excited to be by my brothers' sides every day as we continue our attack. We're all we got, we're all we need. Job's not finished. Go Noles!
Tate Rodemaker, a redshirt junior, entered as the replacement for his sixth appearance of the season. He helped Florida State finish the drive, which resulted in putting its first few points on the board with a field goal.
Norvell declined to elaborate on Travis' exact injuries, telling reporters, "I don't have any update, but obviously, it didn't look good."
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On Sunday, Travis took to social media to tell fans he's "feeling good." While the injury is significant, seeing Travis talking and smiling could certainly boost the morale of a Florida State team still dealing with the shock of losing its on-field leader.
Florida State QB Jordan Travis provided an injury update on his Instagram page today.
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) November 19, 2023
"I'm feeling good, got a smile on my face." pic.twitter.com/K9nhYgsds9
The undefeated Seminoles travel to The Swamp next week to face in-state rival Florida before taking on Louisville in the ACC title game on Dec. 2.
What is a hip-drop tackle?
Travis was brought down by Myers on a hip-drop tackle, a move the NFL is trying to ban.
Just a few days prior, Ravens tight end Mark Andrew was tackled the same way. He walked off the field but did not put pressure on his left leg. After the game, it was announced Andrews' injury was season-ending.
Often used in a one-on-one situation, a hip-drop tackle is when a defender wraps around his opponent then drops his weight to bring them to the ground.
MORE: What is a hip-drop tackle?
On Oct. 17, NFL executive Jeff Miller described the tackle as 25 times more likely to cause injury.
"It is an unforgiving behavior and one that we need to try to define and get out of the game," Miller told the Associated Press. "To quantify it for you, we see an injury more or less every week in the regular season on the hip-drop."
The move isn't too different than the horse-collar tackle, which was banned in the league in 2005. In both moves, a player could easily be brought down on their ankle or knee, which results in a higher chance of injury.
The NFL will look into banning the hip-drop tackle after the 2023 season.
