Veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and longtime leader on both the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets defenses, has officially announced his retirement from the NFL. The 33-year-old made the announcement Thursday—his birthday—by sharing a reflective career highlight reel on Instagram, signaling the end of a decade-long professional journey.
“Today, it is time to wake up from my childhood dream and share it with the next generation,” Mosley said in his video message. “I spent my whole life and career building my legacy. Now it’s time to start a new chapter with new dreams.”
Mosley entered free agency this offseason after being released by the Jets on March 12, closing out a five-year, $85 million contract that brought him to New York in 2019. Though plagued by injuries and setbacks early in his Jets tenure, he rebounded to become a central figure in their defensive resurgence, including a second-team All-Pro season in 2022.
From Bama to Baltimore Stardom
Drafted 17th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Mosley wasted no time establishing himself as one of the league’s premier linebackers. He became the first rookie in Ravens history to be named to the Pro Bowl, and followed that up with additional Pro Bowl honors in 2016, 2017, and 2018 before departing Baltimore in free agency.
Over five standout seasons in Baltimore, Mosley recorded 597 tackles, nine interceptions, and earned a reputation as one of the most instinctive and consistent middle linebackers in football.
The Jets Chapter: A Roller Coaster Ride
Mosley’s tenure with the Jets began with promise but was immediately derailed by a groin injury that limited him to just two games in 2019. He opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, but returned in 2021 and promptly reestablished himself as the heartbeat of New York’s defense.
Despite missing 13 games in 2024 due to toe and neck injuries and ultimately losing his starting job to Jamien Sherwood, Mosley finished his Jets career with tackle totals of 168, 158, and 152 in three full seasons—highlighting both his production and durability when healthy.
Career Legacy
In total, Mosley retires with nearly 1,100 tackles, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, and three touchdowns. He served as both a tone-setter on the field and a respected leader in the locker room.
“When you wake up, what will your legacy look like?” Mosley asked in his farewell message. For the players he led, the coaches he impressed, and the fans who watched him every Sunday, his legacy is that of a smart, tough, and relentless linebacker who left it all on the field.
From Alabama to NFL Stardom
Mosley’s football journey began in Theodore, Alabama, where he was regarded as one of the top prep linebackers in the nation. He chose to stay in-state, committing to Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide, where he earned Freshman All-American honors, helped the Tide win two BCS national championships (2011, 2012), and won the Butkus Award in 2013 as college football’s top linebacker.
As Mosley steps away from football, he leaves behind a blueprint for young linebackers built on film study, physicality, and poise under pressure.
“It won’t be easy,” he said of life after football. “But I’m here to tell you every sacrifice is worth it.”
