Five-Time Pro Bowler C.J. Mosley Announces Retirement from NFL
One of the stalwarts of the NFL, five-time Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley, has hung up his cleats, marking his 33rd birthday with an emotional Instagram highlight reel. Having been released by the New York Jets at the onset of the league year on March 12, Mosley found himself a free agent before making the decision to retire. In his heartfelt Instagram video shared on Thursday, he reflected, “Today, it’s time to awaken from my childhood dream and inspire the next generation.” He expressed how every sacrifice is worth it and urged, “When you wake up, what will your legacy look like?”
Mosley was the heart and frequency of the Jets’ defense, yet injuries sidelined him for 13 games last season. As a result, Jamien Sherwood took over his middle linebacker position. Mosley’s journey with the Jets began with a five-year, $85 million contract inked in 2019, after shining for five illustrious seasons with the Ravens. Notably, Mosley set a milestone as the first Ravens rookie to be voted into the Pro Bowl, subsequently earning three more appearances from 2016 to 2018. Unfortunately, injuries curtailed his initial year with the Jets to just two games. He opted out of the 2020 season due to the pandemic but made an impressive comeback in 2021, amassing 168, 158, and 152 tackles over the following three seasons. His 2022 performance was stellar, earning him a fifth Pro Bowl nomination and a second-team All-Pro nod.
Selected 17th overall by the Ravens in the 2014 draft from Alabama, Mosley leaves the NFL with an impressive tally—nearly 1,100 career tackles, alongside 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, and three touchdowns to his name. Hailing from Theodore, Alabama, Mosley was a distinguished high school linebacker before committing to Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide program after fielding offers from elite football schools. He swiftly made his mark in college, securing Freshman All-American accolades, and played a pivotal role in Alabama’s back-to-back BCS national championships in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, he was awarded the Butkus Award, affirming his status as the top linebacker in college football.