Five-time Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, concluding an impressive 11-year career. The announcement came on his 33rd birthday, June 19, 2025.
A Storied Career
Mosley, drafted 17th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2014, quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier defenders. He spent five standout seasons with the Ravens, earning Pro Bowl selections in four of those years (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018). During his time in Baltimore, he amassed 579 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 9 interceptions, playing a crucial role in their defense with his exceptional ability to read offenses.
In 2019, Mosley signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Jets, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker at the time. His tenure with the Jets was marked by both leadership and challenges. After an injury-hampered first season in 2019 where he played just two games, he opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing his health and family.
He made a strong comeback from 2021 to 2023 under head coach Robert Saleh, consistently leading the Jets in tackles and earning his fifth Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors in 2022 with 158 tackles. Despite his significant presence, injuries, including toe and neck issues, limited him to just four games in the 2024 season. He was subsequently released by the Jets on March 12, 2025.
Legacy and Future
C.J. Mosley retires with an impressive career stat line, including over 1,000 tackles (1,083 total), 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 9 fumble recoveries, and 3 defensive touchdowns. Beyond the numbers, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership, toughness, and consistency.
Mosley shared his retirement decision in a heartfelt video on social media, reflecting on his journey and expressing that it’s time to “wake up from my childhood dream and share it with the next generation.” While his playing days are over, his impact on both the Ravens and the Jets, as well as his dedication to the sport, will be remembered.