Former Alabama LB C.J. Mosley has officially announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons. Mosley recorded over 1,000 tackles in 11 seasons with the Ravens and the Jets.

After over a decade of hard-hitting, sideline-to-sideline dominance in the National Football League, former Alabama Crimson Tide and Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley has officially announced his retirement from football. The announcement, made via a heartfelt message posted to social media and confirmed by multiple sources including the New York Jets and the NFL Players Association, brings to a close an 11-year career marked by excellence, leadership, and a deep connection to the roots of Alabama football.

Mosley, 32, leaves behind a legacy that includes over 1,000 career tackles, four Pro Bowl selections, and a reputation as one of the smartest and most disciplined linebackers of his generation. He played for just two NFL franchises—the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets—but his football journey began long before the NFL spotlight, back when he first emerged as a tackling machine at the University of Alabama.

In his official retirement statement, Mosley thanked his family, coaches, teammates, and fans, offering a humble reflection on his football journey.

“From Mobile to Tuscaloosa to Baltimore and New York, it’s been an incredible ride. I gave this game everything I had. Football shaped me into the man I am today, and I’m forever grateful for every moment—every tackle, every challenge, and every lesson. It’s time now to step away and embrace what’s next.”

What made Mosley such a respected figure among peers and coaches was not just his athleticism, but his football IQ and the way he conducted himself off the field. In an NFL era filled with flash and bravado, Mosley was a throwback—disciplined, quiet, focused, and deeply committed to his craft.

Before making his mark in the NFL, C.J. Mosley starred at the University of Alabama under head coach Nick Saban. Recruited out of Theodore High School in Mobile, Alabama, Mosley arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2010 as part of a legendary recruiting class.

Over four seasons (2010–2013), Mosley emerged as the heartbeat of one of the most dominant defensive units in college football history. He played in 51 career games, earning All-American honors and helping lead Alabama to two national championships (2011, 2012).

By the time he left Tuscaloosa, Mosley had racked up 319 tackles and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. His playstyle—instinctive, explosive, and calm under pressure—made him a Saban favorite and a future NFL star.

“C.J. Mosley is one of the best defensive players we’ve had here,” Saban once said. “He led by example every single day, and he made everyone around him better.”

Mosley was selected 17th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, a team that had long valued linebacker excellence. In Baltimore, he became an immediate starter and cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense.

During his five seasons in Baltimore, Mosley earned four Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), posted 579 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 9 interceptions. He was known for calling plays on defense, anticipating routes before they developed, and being a steady presence through adversity.

“He was Ray Lewis 2.0 in terms of intellect,” said a former Ravens defensive coach. “He was the extension of the coaching staff on the field.”

In 2019, Mosley signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the New York Jets, making him one of the highest-paid linebackers in NFL history. However, his time in New York was marred by injuries and external circumstances.

He played just two games in his debut season before suffering a groin injury that required surgery. In 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mosley chose to opt out of the season for family and health reasons—a move widely respected around the league.

Returning in 2021, Mosley reestablished himself as a force, posting 168 tackles—a career high—and serving as the defensive captain on a young Jets team. While the franchise never reached the playoffs during his tenure, his leadership, mentorship, and consistency earned him the admiration of teammates and coaches alike.

C.J. Mosley’s NFL career by the numbers:

• 1,030 total tackles (732 solo)
• 43 tackles for loss
• 10.5 sacks
• 10 interceptions
• 7 forced fumbles
• 4-time Pro Bowl selection
• 2-time second-team All-Pro

He finishes his career as one of just a handful of linebackers in NFL history to record 100+ tackles in six different seasons, a testament to his durability, awareness, and preparation.

“What people don’t realize is how much film he studied,” said former teammate Jamal Adams. “He would call out plays before the snap. He knew what was coming. He was like a coach in pads.”

Mosley’s retirement announcement was met with praise and gratitude across social media, with players, coaches, and fans reflecting on his impact.

The Baltimore Ravens issued a statement:

“C.J. Mosley was a Raven through and through—tough, smart, relentless. He gave us five incredible seasons, and we wish him nothing but the best in retirement.”

The New York Jets also acknowledged Mosley’s contributions:

“C.J. brought integrity and leadership to our locker room every day. He helped mold the culture we are continuing to build.”

Nick Saban also released a brief comment:

“C.J. is what Alabama football is all about. I’m proud of the career he’s had and the person he continues to be. I know he’ll be successful in whatever comes next.”

Teammates such as Marlon Humphrey, Leonard Williams, and Quinnen Williams shared memories and admiration for Mosley’s professionalism.

In his retirement message, Mosley hinted at his next chapter, stating he’s looking forward to “spending more time with family, giving back to the community, and staying connected to the game in new ways.”

While there’s no immediate word on whether Mosley plans to coach, broadcast, or enter front-office work, those close to him suggest he will remain involved in football in some capacity. Known for his quiet charisma and analytical mind, Mosley could be a natural fit in coaching or player development.

He has also been active in charitable efforts in both Mobile and Baltimore, hosting youth football camps, mentoring local athletes, and advocating for education and career readiness.

“Football was my platform,” Mosley said. “Now I want to use what I’ve learned to help others. Especially the next generation.”

Mosley’s nickname throughout his college and NFL career was “The Quiet Assassin.” It was a perfect descriptor—he didn’t talk much, but he played with ruthless efficiency. He was rarely flashy, but always productive. And his intelligence on the field gave him a mental edge that few could match.

He wasn’t the loudest voice in the locker room. He didn’t need to be.

“He led by how he prepared, how he practiced, and how he played,” said former Alabama teammate Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. “He was the kind of teammate you wanted beside you when it mattered most.”

C.J. Mosley may not always have gotten the headlines of some other linebackers of his era, but ask any coach or quarterback who had to game-plan against him, and they’ll tell you: he was as complete as they come.

In an era of football that’s increasingly fast and loud, C.J. Mosley’s career was a masterclass in substance over flash. From his time under Nick Saban at Alabama, where he embodied “The Process,” to his years in Baltimore and New York, where he was a model of professionalism, Mosley gave the game everything he had.

He exits on his terms—respected, accomplished, and remembered not just for the tackles, but for the tone he set on every field he walked on.

As he steps away from the game, one thing is certain