C.J. Mosley, the former linebacker for the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens, has announced his retirement from professional football. Mosley has been a free agent since the New York Jets released him on March 12, starting of the league year. Now, some six months later, news about his future has finally come. Mosley’s decision follows nearly a decade-long career that has been quite the career capped with an astounding, transformative decision. When he was there, on both teams, he did amazing things.
Mosley out in Theodore, Alabama. He went on to be an impact player in high school and got noticed for his coverage ability, becoming one of the best linebackers in the country. He continued to build on that strong reputation at the University of Alabama. In 2013, he was named the Butkus Award winner, given to college football’s best linebacker. His brilliance on the field launched Alabama to back-to-back BCS national championships in 2011 and 2012. After a standout career in the NCAA, he was drafted 17th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Mosley went on to make an instant impact in the NFL. As the first Baltimore player ever voted to the Pro Bowl as a rookie, he became an industry standard for immediate impact. His five thrilling years in Baltimore followed his brightly blazing, unparalleled star at the University of Miami. In that span, he was named to the Pro Bowl three times from 2016-18. In 2019, he signed a rare five-year, $85 million contract with the Jets. This contract entrenched him as one of the league’s best linebackers.
Mosley found phenomenal success as a musician. He hit headwinds, one being his choice to sit out the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He rebounded to have a brilliant 2022 season. That unexpected season is what landed him the fifth Pro Bowl selection of his career, as well as his second-team All-Pro listing.
During the course of his career, Mosley notched almost 1,100 career tackles, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles. His statistical achievements are testament to not just his talent on the field and in the time, his dedication to the game.
As Mosley moves beyond the game of football, he thinks about how far he’s come and where he’s going.
“Today, it is time to wake up from my childhood dream and share it with the next generation.” – C.J. Mosley
Retirement brought with it the dual battle of recognizing the height of one’s own career and the emotional toll of ending it.
“I spent my whole life and career building my legacy. Now it’s time to start a new chapter with new dreams. It won’t be easy, but I’m here to tell you every sacrifice is worth it.” – C.J. Mosley
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