He attended the University of Maryland, College Park, and as a freshman, gained notice as a first-string player, and finished as runner-up for Rookie of the Year in the Atlantic Coast Conference. As a sophomore, he was named to the second team All-ACC, and was named by Maryland as the team's most outstanding offensive player. As a junior, he began to gain national notice, and was a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award. In the same year, he was named to the All-ACC first team, and surpassed Maryland's single-season rushing record. That season, he gained over six yards per carry, one of only four NCAA players to do so. He was the NCAA rushing leader over the last six games of his junior season. He sat out the drills preceding the 2000 season due to fears of academic ineligibility, and, having a somewhat lackluster senior year, was named to the ACC second team.
Professional career
New York Jets
Jordan was drafted in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Jordan spent his first four years as a backup to Curtis Martin before becoming a free agent.
Oakland Raiders
After the 2004 season, Jordan signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Oakland Raiders. He wore No. 34. Jordan rushed for a career-high 1,025 yards in 2005 while leading all NFL running backs in receptions with 70. On November 19, 2006, Jordan tore his medial collateral ligament in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs and missed the rest of the season. Jordan started the 2007 season with 350 yards rushing and two touchdowns in the first three games. He injured his back against the Miami Dolphins and was replaced by Justin Fargas. Fargas was productive and was named the starter for the next four games. On July 25, 2008 Jordan was released by the Raiders.
On July 26, 2008, Jordan signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots.
Denver Broncos
On March 4, 2009, Jordan signed a two-year, $2.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos. The deal included a $500,000 signing bonus. The move reunited him with Broncos head coachJosh McDaniels, who was the Patriots' offensive coordinator in 2008. Jordan was released on February 23, 2010.
Coaching career
On December 19, 2018, Jordan was named running backs coach for the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football.