You could sum up what the Colts are getting in new offensive tackle Jalen Travis in two words: brains and brawn.
Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 339 pounds, Travis is poised to be one of the biggest players ever to wear a Colts uniform. But it’s not just his physical presence that stands out.
Travis arrives in the NFL with an Ivy League degree in anthropology, a concentration in law, politics, and economics, and a certificate in African American studies. He also has plans to attend law school after his football career wraps up—credentials that easily place him among the most academically accomplished players to ever don the Horseshoe.
Of course, Travis’s NFL success will ultimately hinge on how he develops on the field.
Unlike the rest of the Colts’ draft class, Travis has just one season of high-level college football experience after transferring from Iowa State to Princeton for the 2024 campaign. Despite the limited time, he made 26 collegiate starts—16 at left tackle and 8 at right tackle.
What caught the Colts’ eye wasn’t just his size and athleticism, but his character and upside. Travis hails from a highly athletic family and even played on the same AAU basketball team as NBA stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Suggs. His cousin? Former Colts tight end Ross Travis.
“I think the physical ability that he brings,” head coach Shane Steichen said. “He’s light on his feet for a big guy. I think he ran a 5.15. At that size, to move like that—it’s going to be good for the room.”
Travis projects as an offensive tackle in the NFL, likely starting out by competing for the swing tackle spot—a key depth role.
“For me, I don’t have any expectations right now,” Travis said. “Someone in my position just has to come in ready to work. Whatever that role ends up being, that’s for the coaches to decide. I’m focused on putting my best foot forward from Day 1, perfecting my process, and approaching the game the right way. Come fall, I want to help this team win a Super Bowl, whatever that looks like.”
When the Colts called Travis to inform him he was being drafted, the rookie was quick to make his Super Bowl intentions known—a reflection of the mutual belief between him and the organization.
“Super surreal,” he said of the moment. “The Colts have believed in me from the start, especially Coach Tony Sparano. He has a great pedigree in this league, and I’m excited to work with him. I know there’s still a lot of growth ahead in my game, and I’m ready to get to work. I want to help bring this team back to consistent playoff wins—and Super Bowl championships.”
Leave a Reply