Jackson Travis, Colorado Rapids #99 Defender: Career, Stats & Impact

You watch a young defender, #99, gliding down the left flank—confident, composed, and honestly, you just know he’s got something special. Jackson Travis came up through the Colorado Rapids Academy and made a name for himself at the University of North Carolina. He’s started turning all that potential into real, on-field impact with every touch.

You see a player who’s shaping the Rapids’ back line for the future. He blends poise, athleticism, and a tactical awareness that feels rare for someone his age.

Travis grew up in Madison, Mississippi, and eventually landed in Commerce City. His steady rise proves that growth and patience can really pay off. Rapids 2 sharpened his instincts and helped him get used to the speed and pressure of Major League Soccer.

His recent loan to Birmingham Legion gives him a shot at more minutes. The Rapids hope he’ll come back even stronger for the 2026 campaign.

Every match adds a new chapter to his story, from academy days to bouncing back after core muscle and hand surgeries. If you follow his journey, you’ll see more than just a left-back in progress—you’ll spot a player figuring out what it means to lead.

Jackson Travis: Player Profile

You’re looking at a defender who earned his spot through steady growth, technical skill, and a lot of hard work. His journey from small-town athlete to pro left back shows what preparation and discipline can do in Major League Soccer.

Background and Early Life

Jackson Travis was born on February 23, 2004, in Jackson, Mississippi. He joined the Colorado Rapids Academy after leaving the Deep South, where he first picked up his defensive instincts.

He played college soccer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), standing out for his calmness and his ability to read the game. That experience helped him polish his technique before he signed as a homegrown player with the Rapids in 2021.

His transition from college to pro just seemed to click. Coaches liked his maturity and focus, making him a reliable choice from the start. His background really shows a steady climb—lots of training, adaptability, and resilience.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

At about 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, Travis balances speed and strength pretty well on the left side. He usually plays as a left back, but he’s got the awareness to move centrally if needed.

He likes clean tackles, not wild lunges, and usually positions himself to intercept rather than chase. In the 2025 season, you could see this in his solid defensive stats and consistent passing.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Yellow Cards	Red Cards
2025	Colorado Rapids	9	0	0	2	1

His style fits teams that want possession and a structured back line. He avoids overcommitting, always trying to keep shape and limit space for opposing wingers.

Jersey Number 99: Significance

Travis wears number 99 for the Colorado Rapids. It’s a bold choice, honestly—it’s not a number you see many defenders pick.

For him, it’s about standing out but still staying grounded in the team. Fans are starting to recognize that number as his.

You connect #99 with his steady play and his role as a homegrown talent. The number reflects his confidence as a young player stepping into bigger responsibilities.

It’s a small thing, but it says a lot—he’s calm, self-assured, and always looking to get better with each match for the Colorado Rapids.

Colorado Rapids Career

You can see how Jackson Travis grew from an academy prospect into a steady defender for the Colorado Rapids. His time in Major League Soccer shows that consistent minutes and good positioning can really shape a young player’s path.

First Team Debut and Appearances

Travis debuted for the Rapids’ first team after coming up through the academy. He’d already made a mark at the University of North Carolina, joined the Rapids as a homegrown signing, and got his first MLS start in 2023.

He quickly made a name for himself with his left-footed control and reliable defense. By early 2025, he’d started several matches and come off the bench a few times, improving every game.

His early games against FC Dallas and LA Galaxy showed how calm he could be under pressure. Coaches liked how fast he tracked back and how well he kept shape during counterattacks.

Career Stats (through early 2025):

Season	Competition	Appearances	Starts	Goals	Assists	Yellow Cards	Red Cards
2023	MLS	8	5	0	1	1	0
2024	MLS	14	10	0	2	2	0
2025	MLS	9	9	0	0	2	1

Key Performances in MLS

You can point to a few matches where Travis’s defensive smarts really stood out. Against the Portland Timbers, he helped lock down a 2–0 win in Commerce City—calm passing, sharp tackles, the whole deal.

In a tough game with Minnesota United FC, his one-on-one defending kept things tight on the left. He often faced top wingers but rarely looked rattled. His timing in tackles and reading of the play just kept getting better.

Travis’s passing accuracy and quick recoveries made him a good outlet when the Rapids transitioned forward. His link-up play with midfielders helped the team stay balanced, especially against Philadelphia and Seattle Sounders.

2025 Season Highlights

The Colorado Rapids sent Travis on loan to Birmingham Legion for the rest of the 2025 season. The move gave him a shot at more consistent minutes in the USL Championship, and the Rapids kept the right to bring him back.

Before the loan, he started all nine MLS matches for Colorado, averaging a 6.65 performance rating from Sportsdunia. His defensive stats—two yellows, one red—showed an aggressive but controlled approach.

The Rapids viewed the loan as a step forward, not a step back. With Birmingham, Travis worked on his positioning and endurance, getting ready to return to MLS action.

Development Pathway: Rapids Academy to Rapids 2

Jackson Travis built his career on structure and steady progress. His path from the Rapids Academy to Rapids 2 proves that consistent training, tactical learning, and a professional mindset can set a player up for MLS.

Rapids Academy Experience

You first notice Travis’s discipline and technical skill during his time in the Rapids Academy. That’s where his development really took off.

After moving from Madison, Alabama, he joined the Academy’s U17s and quickly fit into the club’s style. The Academy pushes positional awareness, quick decisions, and physical prep.

Each player follows an Individual Development Plan, tracking skills and growth. Travis stood out for his one-on-one defense and calmness on the ball.

Coaches pointed to him as an example of making the jump from youth soccer to a pro mentality. He also played in MLS NEXT competitions, testing himself against top youth players nationwide.

Category	Detail
Academy Joined	2020
Position	Left Back / Center Back
College Attended	University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
MLS NEXT Appearances	45
Goals	3

Progression with Rapids 2

After his Academy days, Travis moved up to Rapids 2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro team. That first season tested his endurance and tactical smarts against older, more physical players.

He became a regular starter until a core muscle injury sidelined him, according to the Colorado Rapids Tracker. Surgery kept him out for a while, but he came back to training stronger and more focused.

Rapids 2 coaches liked his communication and how he organized the back line. By 2025, the club loaned him to Birmingham Legion in the USL Championship, keeping the option to recall him, as the official announcement says.

Season	Team	Appearances	Minutes Played	Assists	Clean Sheets
2023	Rapids 2	21	1,650	2	8
2024	Rapids 2	18	1,430	1	6

Recognition as Academy Player of the Year

You can see why the club named him Academy Player of the Year. His steady play, leadership, and academic discipline made him a role model for younger players.

The award highlighted his defensive skills and his steady improvement through the Rapids system. Coaches credited his success to his attention to detail, recovery habits, and willingness to learn from setbacks.

Winning that award put him among the top homegrown prospects in the club. His story, featured in Burgundy Wave, shows how the Rapids’ model really values commitment and professionalism.

He’s the kind of player the Rapids Academy wants to produce: technically sharp, mentally tough, and ready for the pro level.

Loan Move to Birmingham Legion

You see a young defender taking a big step. Jackson Travis left the Colorado Rapids for regular playing time and experience with Birmingham Legion FC in the USL Championship.

The move reflects both the Rapids’ long-term plans and Travis’s drive to keep growing at a key point in his career.

Transfer Details and Rationale

The Colorado Rapids confirmed Travis joined Birmingham Legion FC on loan for the rest of the 2025 season, with a recall option. They announced the deal in late August, as detailed on the official site.

At 21, the left-back from Jackson, Mississippi, needed more regular minutes after 18 first-team appearances over two seasons. His limited MLS role made the loan a logical move. The Rapids see this as a development step, not an exit.

Travis, who played college soccer at the University of North Carolina, fits Birmingham’s need for speed and defensive width. The Legion, chasing playoff hopes, get a boost from his energy and positional sense.

Loan Agreement Summary

Detail	Information
Loaned From	Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Loaned To	Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship)
Duration	Remainder of 2025 season
Recall Option	Yes
Position	Left-Back / Defender

Impact at Birmingham Legion

You notice Travis’s presence right away—he immediately gave Birmingham’s defense better balance. His quick recovery runs and left-footed delivery brought the team new tactical options. The Legion FC announcement highlights how much the club appreciated his speed and calmness under pressure.

Travis got used to the USL Championship’s physical style pretty fast. His overlapping runs and accurate crosses opened up fresh attacking chances. Coaches liked his communication and positioning, skills he sharpened with the Rapids.

As the Legion push for a playoff spot, Travis keeps gaining valuable match experience and helps steady the back line. The loan works for both sides: Birmingham’s defense gets stronger, and the Rapids keep tabs on a young player in a tough league.

Injury Setbacks and Recovery

You’ve watched Jackson Travis grow into a reliable defender for the Colorado Rapids, but he’s hit a few bumps along the way. His injuries really tested his resilience, but every comeback showed his determination to return better than before.

Scaphoid Fracture and Surgery

In early 2025, Travis broke the scaphoid bone in his right thumb during training—a scaphoid fracture. He needed surgery to fix the small bone near his thumb’s base. The Colorado Rapids reported the surgery went well, but he’d be out for about four to six weeks.

At just 21, the former University of Washington standout took the setback in stride. The club managed his recovery with patience, making sure not to rush him back. The Rapids’ medical staff focused on hand mobility and grip strength before letting him do contact drills.

Recovery Timeline:

Stage	Focus	Duration
Surgery & Immobilization	Bone healing, swelling reduction	2 weeks
Physical Therapy	Thumb movement, light resistance	2–3 weeks
Return Prep	Ball handling, match fitness	1–2 weeks

They stuck to this plan so Travis could keep up his conditioning but still protect his hand.

Return to Action

By late spring, Travis got back to full training and returned to matches. Reuters confirmed his expected return window, and he pretty much hit that mark. You could see his confidence build as he found his rhythm again in defensive work.

He played steady minutes after coming back, showing no fear in tackles or ball control. Coaches appreciated his calmness and focus, especially for someone coming off an injury. For a young defender, that kind of response says a lot.

The Rapids watched his workload closely, balancing his minutes to avoid overuse. Travis’s ability to adapt after injury just proves how much the back line can rely on him.

Statistical Overview and Notable Matches

Jackson Travis’s progress shows up in his steady defensive play and growing confidence in MLS. His stats highlight his reliability and his knack for handling tougher competition.

Season-by-Season Statistics

Travis, a homegrown left-back from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has become a regular for the Colorado Rapids. In the 2025 MLS season, he started nine matches, recorded 0 goals, 0 assists, and averaged a 6.65 rating, according to Sportsdunia.

He kept his discipline, picking up just 1 red card and 2 yellow cards in league play. Sofascore shows his left-footed style and solid defensive numbers.

Season	Team	Matches	Goals	Assists	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Avg. Rating
2025	Colorado Rapids	9	0	0	2	1	6.65
2024	Birmingham Legion FC (USL)	6	0	0	2	0	6.4

These numbers point to a player who focuses on positioning and clean defensive work. His jump from the USL Championship to MLS shows he’s improved his pace and tactical awareness.

Standout Games and Performances

Travis put in his best performance during a tight 1–2 loss to Sporting Kansas City, earning a 6.6 rating on Sofascore. You can see how well he reads attacking runs and recovers after turnovers—those skills keep earning him minutes.

In early July 2025, he played a big role in a clean-sheet draw, winning several duels and completing over 85% of his passes, as Mad About College Sports reported.

His performances aren’t flashy, but his defensive maturity under pressure stands out. The Rapids trust him in one-on-one situations against top MLS attackers, and it’s easy to see why.

Champions League Appearances

Travis got a few minutes in the CONCACAF Champions League, mostly coming on late to help lock things down. The Rapids used him to stabilize the defense when holding slim leads.

He looked composed in his debut, completing all his passes and clearing a few crosses. His attacking impact was limited, but his positioning and timing showed he’s ready for tougher competition.

If he keeps growing, he’ll probably earn more Champions League starts. His discipline and left-footed control fit nicely with the Rapids’ possession style.

Influence and Relationships Within the Team

A young defender’s growth really depends on the people around him. Jackson Travis benefits from experienced coaches who help him polish his technique and teammates who push him to reach MLS standards. These relationships shape his confidence and discipline as he rises with the Colorado Rapids.

Coaching Staff and Mentors

You notice the trust head coach Chris Armas and Rapids 2 coach Erik Bushey have in Travis. Bushey first saw his potential when Travis came over from Madison, Mississippi, and guided him through the jump to altitude and pro soccer. That connection still grounds his approach to training.

Armas likes Travis’s self-driven habits—he often reviews his own match clips to work on positioning and timing. That kind of initiative has earned him steady minutes at left back, especially when he’s filling in for Sam Vines during injuries.

Coaches’ Influence Table

Mentor	Role	Key Impact
Erik Bushey	Rapids 2 Head Coach	Built Travis’s foundation, introduced him to MLS-level prep
Chris Armas	Rapids Head Coach	Encouraged tactical discipline and video study habits

Travis listens to feedback and puts it into action. His coaches call him “fearless” in duels and “dialed in” at training—traits that really reflect the Rapids’ culture in Commerce City.

Notable Teammates and Comparisons

You’ll often spot Travis picking up tips straight from Sam Vines—another local left back who grabbed U.S. national team caps before heading off to Europe. With both of them working the same position, it’s only natural for Travis to treat Sam as a kind of mentor. He’s got a living example of how to juggle both competition and opportunity.

Guys like Keegan Rosenberry and Lalas Abubakar also leave their mark on him. They show him how to stay organized, track runs, and keep his cool when the pressure’s on.

Key Comparisons

• Sam Vines: He’s got that attacking edge, especially with those overlaps, and honestly, he’s a bit more polished there.
• Jackson Travis: He stands out in one-on-one defending, but he’s still ironing out his crossing.

Week by week, you can almost feel their chemistry getting better. The backline shifts together with more purpose, and you can tell Travis is gaining confidence just by watching and learning from guys who’ve already walked this road with the Colorado Rapids.