C.J. Mosley has officially announced his retirement from the NFL after a notable 11-year career. The five-time Pro Bowl linebacker, who was released by the New York Jets in March, made the announcement on Thursday at the age of 33.
Mosley, who dealt with injuries in recent years, played in only four games during the 2024 season due to a toe injury and a herniated disc in his neck. He initially joined the Jets in 2019 on a significant five-year, $85 million contract after a successful five-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens, who selected him 17th overall in the 2014 draft.
However, his career with the Jets was marred by injuries, as he played only two games in his first season with the team because of a core muscle injury and opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID pandemic. Despite these setbacks, Mosley rebounded and performed well from 2021 to 2023 under head coach Robert Saleh, accumulating 478 total tackles and earning his final Pro Bowl selection in 2022.
Mosley’s departure marks the end of an era, and while it may be a sad moment for fans and teammates, his impactful contributions to the game and leadership on and off the field will be remembered. His journey reflects resilience and determination, showcasing how athletes can overcome adversity and still achieve success.
His story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes, emphasizing that while careers can be unpredictable, dedication and hard work can lead to rewarding experiences.