C.J. Mosley Hangs Up His Cleats: A Defensive Leader Says Goodbye to the NFL
Five-time All-Pro linebacker C.J. Mosley has announced his retirement from the NFL, as revealed to CBS Sports on Thursday.
The decision was communicated on his 33rd birthday. Mosley was a free agent after being released by the New York Jets at the beginning of the league year on March 12.
Mosley was an emotional leader and the signal caller on the Jets’ defense. However, he missed 13 games last season due to toe and neck injuries, losing his starting middle linebacker spot to Jamien Sherwood.
Mosley signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the Jets in 2019, after five standout seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, including three consecutive Pro Bowl seasons.
His first year with the Jets was limited to two games due to a groin injury. Subsequently, he opted out of playing the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He returned in 2021 and recorded 168, 158, and 152 tackles in the following three seasons. His best season was in 2022, when he was selected for his fifth Pro Bowl and was voted to the second All-Pro team.
Mosley, the Ravens’ No. 17 pick in the 2014 draft from Alabama, retires with nearly 1,100 career tackles, along with 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, and three touchdowns.
