Five-Time Pro Bowler C.J. Mosley Calls It a Career

Five-time Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley has officially retired from the NFL, announcing his decision on his 33rd birthday by sharing a heartfelt highlight reel of his illustrious career on Instagram. In his message, Mosley reflected, "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."

Mosley’s professional journey began when he was selected 17th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens after an impressive collegiate career at Alabama. He quickly made history as the first Baltimore player ever voted to the Pro Bowl as a rookie, setting the tone for a career marked by consistent excellence. During his initial five seasons with the Ravens, he earned three additional Pro Bowl selections from 2016 to 2018, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite linebackers.

In 2019, Mosley made a high-profile move by signing a lucrative five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Jets. Despite the transition, he remained a dominant force on the field, demonstrating unparalleled work ethic and leadership. After a brief hiatus, he returned in 2021 and continued to showcase his resilience and skill by recording impressive tackle numbers—168 in 2021, followed by 158 and 152 in the subsequent seasons. His standout performance in 2022 earned him his fifth Pro Bowl nod and a prestigious second-team All-Pro honor, highlighting the peak of his athletic prowess even in the latter stages of his career.

Over the course of nearly a decade in the NFL, Mosley accumulated close to 1,100 tackles, along with 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, and three defensive touchdowns. These statistics not only reflect his versatility and playmaking ability but also underscore the impact he had on every team he represented.

As Mosley steps away from professional football, his legacy as a relentless competitor and a respected leader remains firmly intact, inspiring both fans and fellow athletes alike.