In finishing up an 11-season NFL career characterized by constant performance, leadership, and tenacity, veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley made his formal retirement announcement on June 19, 2025, his 33rd birthday. Mosley leaves a history that few can equal, spanning from his time as a Ravens standout to his ten-year tenure with the New York Jets.
College to Pro: From Alabama to Baltimore
In 2014, Mosley, a former Alabama Butkus Award winner and Unanimous All-American, was selected 17th overall by the Ravens. With 579 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 9 interceptions throughout his tenure in Baltimore, he made a name for himself as Ray Lewis’ replacement almost immediately and was selected to the Pro Bowl both in his first season and in 2016–18.
One of the Ravens’ most memorable postseason-clinching moments occurred in 2018, when he intercepted Baker Mayfield in the season finale to secure the team’s AFC North title.
Rise to Leadership in New York
Mosley signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the New York Jets in 2019. After suffering a groin injury in Week 1 and opting out in 2020, among other setbacks that hampered his early Jets career, he recovered under coach Robert Saleh from 2021–2023. He recorded 478 tackles during this time, was selected to three Pro Bowls in 2022, and cemented his position as the defense’s mainstay.
Mosley was a renowned locker-room leader even though he was limited to four games in 2024 following injuries, including toe and neck injuries. In order to manage salary cap savings, the Jets cut him in March, freeing up about $4 million.
Career Stats & Accolades
- Career totals: 1,083 tackles, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 9 fumble recoveries, and 3 touchdowns.
- Pro Bowls: 5x (2014, 2016–18, 2022)
- All-Pro honors: 5x Second-Team (2014, 2016–18, 2022)
Emotional Farewell
On Instagram, Mosley shared a heartfelt video reflecting on sacrifices, legacy, and life after football:
“It’s time for a new chapter… every sacrifice was worth it. What will your legacy be?”
Jets owner Woody Johnson, coach Aaron Glenn, and GM Darren Mougey publicly praised him as a “passionate leader,” “class act,” and locker-room cornerstone .
What’s Next for Mosley?
Mosley’s remark implies a move away from the field and into life off it, whether in the media, business, or mentoring fields, despite previous rumors that he had no immediate plans to retire.
It appears doubtful that he will pursue another NFL season, despite spending 2025 observing Jets practice sessions and coaching substitutes like Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood.
Legacy Recap
Steady Excellence: For almost ten years, this linebacker was a standout player who demonstrated leadership and big-game skills.
Team Captain: Influenced teammates on and off the field while anchoring defenses in New York and Baltimore.
Impact Beyond Stats is renowned for its professionalism, tenacity, and unyielding spirit of competition.
Final Take
One of the best linebackers of his generation, C.J. Mosley is renowned for both his leadership abilities and his on-field skills. Both Jets and Ravens supporters will be moved by his legacy of dedication and consistency.
The concern he raised regarding legacy is now not hypothetical as he moves on to the next stage—it has already been written. Now, it’s about football’s aftermath.