When the New York Jets signed C.J. Mosley to a free agent deal in 2019, they hoped he would transform the organization’s culture and anchor a struggling defense.
While Mosley could never turn the Jets into a winner, he walked away from the team having been considered one of the better leaders in team history.
Now, he’s ready to call it a career.
On Thursday, after 10 successful National Football League seasons, Mosley announced his retirement from football with an Instagram post.
As the No. 17 overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Mosley began his career in the Charm City, where he was a Pro Bowl and All-Pro player in four of his first five seasons. He was also a finalist for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
After New York signed him to a free agent deal in the 2019 offseason, Mosley played five more professional seasons. During the process, he scooped up another Pro Bowl nod in 2022.
Injuries ultimately caught up to the Alabama product, though, in 2024.
Multiple concerns grew last year, including a stinger that kept Mosley off the field for the majority of the season. That led to New York parting ways with the linebacker.
“It is hard to move on from a player like C.J. Mosley, who has given everything of himself to an organization,” said Jets head coach Aaron Glenn when it became apparent Mosley would not return to the team in 2025. “From everything we learned about C.J.—he is a passionate leader who put the New York Jets first and got the most out of his teammates. We wish him and his family the best as he moves forward with his career.”
Mosley’s impact cannot be overstated. He helped the growth of young linebackers like Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood.
Sherwood, in particular, continues to credit Mosley for his leadership.
“Without him, this process for me would not be possible. I miss having him in the room,” Sherwood said during minicamp.
According to Williams, Mosley is still near the team facility and checks in on his former teammates from time to time. This is further proof of how strong a leader the veteran has always been.
C.J. Mosley may not have been able to turn the New York Jets around in the win column, but his work as a leader and linebacker will be remembered for years to come.