Linebacker C.J. Mosley, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the NFL's most respected defensive leaders, announced his retirement from professional football on June 19, 2025, coinciding with his 33rd birthday. The announcement came through a heartfelt Instagram video titled "Once upon a time ..." that highlighted his remarkable journey from youth football to an 11-year NFL career filled with accolades and memorable moments.
Mosley's career began in Theodore, Alabama, where he was a standout high school linebacker, ranked among the nation's best. His talent earned him a scholarship to the University of Alabama, where under coach Nick Saban, he quickly made an impact. Earning Freshman All-American honors, Mosley contributed to Alabama's back-to-back BCS National Championships in 2011 and 2012. His collegiate career peaked in 2013 when he won the prestigious Butkus Award as college football's top linebacker and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
Selected 17th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Mosley faced the daunting task of replacing franchise legend Ray Lewis at middle linebacker. He embraced the challenge with poise and determination. In his rookie season, Mosley was named to the Pro Bowl and earned second-team All-Pro honors, finishing second in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Over five seasons with Baltimore, he became a cornerstone of the Ravens' defense, tallying 579 tackles, nine interceptions, 8.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries. His leadership helped Baltimore consistently rank in the top nine in scoring defense, including a stellar second-place finish in 2018. That same year, Mosley played a pivotal role in securing the AFC North title with a game-clinching interception against the Cleveland Browns in the final week of the regular season.
In 2019, Mosley signed a landmark five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Jets, marking one of the largest free-agent deals for an inside linebacker at the time. His arrival was met with mixed reactions from Jets fans, especially after a groin injury limited him to two games in his inaugural season. The following year, Mosley opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, temporarily pausing his on-field contributions.
Returning in 2021, Mosley transformed his body, slimming down from 250 to 231 pounds to adapt to the Jets' faster sideline-to-sideline defensive scheme. This physical transformation paid off handsomely as he reestablished himself as the defensive heartbeat of the team. Over the next three seasons, he averaged an impressive 159 tackles per year, consistently leading the Jets in this category. His 2022 campaign was particularly notable, earning him his fifth Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro nod. Mosley was also voted team captain every season he played in New York, underscoring his influence both on and off the field.
However, the 2024 season brought challenges as Mosley battled toe and neck injuries, limiting him to just four games with three starts. During his absence, younger linebacker Jamien Sherwood stepped up, eventually taking over the middle linebacker role and securing a three-year, $45 million contract extension with the Jets. Recognizing the need to move forward, the Jets released Mosley in March 2025 to save salary cap space and invest in their emerging defensive talents.
Mosley's career stats speak volumes about his consistency and playmaking ability. Over 133 games, he amassed 1,083 total tackles, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, 53 passes defensed, 55 tackles for loss, 40 quarterback hits, and three touchdowns. His ability to read offenses and lead his teammates was widely praised by coaches and peers alike. Jets owner Woody Johnson described him upon his release as "the epitome of a class act as a teammate, player and leader for the last six seasons." Former teammates, including Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers and Baltimore assistant special teams coach Anthony Levine, lauded Mosley’s leadership and impact.
Beyond the numbers, Mosley's Instagram retirement video encapsulated his journey and mindset: "Today, it is time to wake up from my childhood dream and share it with the next generation. 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. When you wake up, what will your legacy look like?" These words resonated deeply with fans and fellow athletes, marking the close of a distinguished playing career and the beginning of a new chapter.
As Mosley steps away from the gridiron, his legacy as a fierce competitor, inspiring leader, and relentless tackler remains intact. From his early days in Alabama to the bright lights of the NFL, he carved out a career that many aspire to but few achieve. While his playing days are over, the lessons he imparted and the example he set will undoubtedly influence the next generation of linebackers and defenders for years to come.
