Veteran NFL linebacker C.J. Mosley, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The accomplished middle linebacker shared his decision on his 33rd birthday, June 19, 2025, via a poignant video posted to his Instagram account, signaling the end of an impressive 11-season career spent with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets.
Mosley’s retirement comes months after he was released by the Jets on March 12, 2025, making him a free agent. In his retirement video, titled “Once upon a time…”, Mosley reflected on his journey.
“Today, it is time to wake up from my childhood dream and share it with the next generation,” Mosley stated in his video. “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.”
He concluded his message with a reflective question: “When you wake up, what will your legacy look like?”
A Career Defined by Impact
Drafted 17th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2014 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama, Mosley made an immediate impact. He earned Freshman All-American honors and helped Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide secure back-to-back BCS national championships in 2011 and 2012. Mosley also received the prestigious Butkus Award in 2013 as college football’s top linebacker.
His success translated quickly to the NFL. Mosley became the first player in Ravens history to be voted to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. He went on to earn four Pro Bowl selections and four Second-Team All-Pro nods during his five standout seasons in Baltimore (2014-2018), solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier inside linebackers.
In 2019, Mosley signed a significant five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Jets, reportedly the largest free-agent deal for an inside linebacker at the time. He was brought in not just for his talent but also with the hope that his leadership could help change the team’s culture.
His Jets debut was memorable, featuring a pick-six and a fumble recovery, but was cut short by a groin injury in the third quarter, limiting him to just two games in 2019. Mosley then opted out of the entire 2020 season due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leading the Jets Defense
Mosley returned in 2021 under new coach Robert Saleh, notably adjusting his weight to better fit the defensive scheme. He quickly re-established himself as the emotional leader and signal-caller, becoming the “heartbeat” and “quarterback” of the Jets defense. He was voted a team captain every year he played in New York and played a key role in mentoring younger linebackers like Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood.
He returned to Pro Bowl form, leading the team in tackles for three consecutive seasons from 2021 to 2023. His performance in 2022 was particularly stellar, earning him his fifth Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors after tallying 158 tackles.
Mosley’s final NFL season in 2024 was hampered by injuries, including a toe issue and a herniated disk in his neck. These ailments limited him to just four games and led to him losing his middle linebacker role to Sherwood. Following the season and subsequent release, Mosley decided it was time to conclude his playing career.
Leaving His Mark
Across his 133 NFL games (132 starts), C.J. Mosley compiled impressive statistics, including nearly 1,100 total tackles (1,083 according to some records), 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, and three touchdowns.
Beyond the numbers, Mosley was consistently praised by former teammates and ownership for his high character, professionalism, and significant leadership qualities both on and off the field. Though he didn’t achieve the goal of making the Jets a consistent winner during his tenure, his impact on the locker room and the development of younger players left a lasting legacy within the organization.
As Mosley steps away from the gridiron to pursue new dreams, he leaves behind a distinguished record as one of the top linebackers of his era, known for his tackling prowess, versatility, and unwavering leadership.
