C.J. Mosley Calls It a Career After 11 Years in the NFL
Big news out of Alabama — C.J. Mosley, former Crimson Tide star and longtime NFL linebacker, is officially retiring after 11 seasons in the pros. And get this — he made the announcement on his 33rd birthday with a nostalgic highlight reel posted to social media. The video traced his football journey from high school to college and then the NFL, with Mosley narrating:
“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 grew up in Theodore, Alabama, and was already making waves back then. He racked up over 500 tackles in high school alone, winning major state honors and dominating the field like a man on a mission.
By 2010, he was suiting up for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide — and made an immediate impact. He played in every game his freshman year and snagged Freshman All-American honors. After a brief injury setback in his second year, he came back stronger than ever, leading the team in tackles in 2012 and 2013. He helped the Tide secure a national title in 2012, was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, and won the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in the country.
His college résumé? Stacked: 315 tackles, six and a half sacks, five picks, two forced fumbles — plus six touchdowns (yes, even a passing TD in there).
In 2014, the Baltimore Ravens picked Mosley 17th overall in the NFL Draft. He played five strong seasons there before signing with the New York Jets, where he wrapped up the rest of his career. Despite injuries and opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID, Mosley still managed to rack up some eye-popping stats: over 1,000 tackles, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, and three defensive touchdowns.
His trophy shelf isn’t empty either — five Pro Bowl selections, five second-team All-Pro nods, and an All-Rookie team spot in 2014.
After being released earlier this year by the Jets, Mosley’s now ready to write the next chapter. Whether it’s coaching, broadcasting, or something totally different, one thing’s for sure: the guy left it all on the field.
