C.J. Mosley Retires from NFL After Five Pro Bowl Selections and a Storied Career | NFL News
Baltimore Ravens franchise player and New York Jets defensive captain C.J. Mosley has retired from professional football after a dominant decade-long career. A native of the Alabama Crimson Tide, C.J. Mosley was always thought to be the successor to Ray Lewis’ throne in Baltimore—one that he took with steely resolve.
C.J. Mosley retires with 1,000+ tackles and a dominant leadership presence
C.J. Mosley started his NFL career as a first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2014. In five seasons, he became a four-time Pro Bowler, accumulated 579 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and nine interceptions. His selection of Baker Mayfield to seal the game in the final game of the 2018 regular season is among the most defining plays in recent Ravens history. Before the Ravens could hold him, the New York Jets signed him over the cap with a gigantic five-year, $85 million contract in 2019 to sign C.J. Mosley to the AFC East as the league’s top-paid inside linebacker at the time. But his New York introduction was marred by injury. After a strong start with a pick-six, C.J. Mosley hurt his core muscle and played just two games of the 2019 season. He lost the 2020 season to the COVID-19 virus but returned with a vengeance with head coach Robert Saleh, and he was the foundation of the Jets’ defense from 2021 to 2023.Between 2021 and 2023, Mosley accumulated 478 tackles and received his fifth and final Pro Bowl in 2022. In the 2024 season, he injured his toe and herniated a disk in his neck and played only four games. Mosley was released by the Jets at the beginning of the 2025 league year on March 12. Also read: Cowboys considering C.J. Mosley to fill linebacker void after overshown injury
A career built on consistency and low-key leadership
C.J. Mosley retires with an impressive stat line: 1,000 tackles, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, nine recoveries, and three touchdowns. But beyond the number, he shall be remembered for his exceptional leadership and toughness. Whatever color he wore, whether it was purple in Baltimore or green in New York, Mosley was a captain in every way—stabilizing defenses, making audibles, and teaching teammates.
