NFL linebacker CJ Mosley has officially hung up his cleats — but his retirement has left fans wondering: Did the New York Jets ever get the best of him?
The five-time Pro Bowler and longtime defensive anchor for the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets announced his retirement from professional football on June 19, the same day he turned 33. The announcement came via Instagram, where Mosley posted a heartfelt highlight reel that traced the arc of his impactful but injury-riddled NFL career.
Ravens Greatness: Mosley’s Early Dominance
Mosley’s NFL journey began in 2014, when he was selected 17th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL Draft. From day one, he proved to be a natural fit for Baltimore’s storied defensive identity.
In just five seasons with the Ravens, Mosley racked up:
-
579 total tackles
-
9 interceptions
-
8.5 sacks
-
6 forced fumbles
He earned three straight Pro Bowl selections during that span, becoming one of the most feared middle linebackers in the league. Many fans and analysts viewed him as the successor to the legendary Ray Lewis — and for a while, it looked like he was well on that path.
A Mega Deal with the Jets… and the Letdown That Followed
In 2019, Mosley signed a massive five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Jets — a move that shocked Ravens fans and signaled the Jets’ desire to build around a defensive leader.
But that’s where the story gets complicated.
Mosley played just two games in his debut Jets season due to a groin injury. Then, in 2020, he opted out of the entire year due to COVID-19 concerns. It wasn’t until 2021 that Jets fans finally got a proper look at the linebacker they had invested so heavily in.
And to be fair, Mosley delivered. He recorded:
-
168 tackles in 2021
-
158 tackles in 2022 (earning another Pro Bowl selection and Second-Team All-Pro honors)
-
152 tackles in 2023
But his 2024 season never took off. He played in only four games, sidelined by lingering toe and neck injuries, and was ultimately released by the Jets on March 12, becoming a free agent just months before calling it a career.
What Went Wrong in New York?
Despite a strong statistical comeback, Mosley’s time in New York will always be marked by what could have been. Injuries, missed seasons, and a dysfunctional Jets franchise robbed him of the consistent dominance he showed in Baltimore.
It begs the question: Did the Jets squander the prime years of one of the league’s best linebackers?
While it’s unfair to blame either side entirely — injuries happen, and the pandemic was unprecedented — there’s no denying that Mosley’s peak years didn’t align with the Jets’ direction or success.
The Final Tally: A Stellar Career with Some “What Ifs”
CJ Mosley retires after 11 NFL seasons with an impressive stat sheet:
-
1,083 total tackles
-
12 sacks
-
12 interceptions
-
53 pass deflections
More importantly, he walks away as a respected leader, a Pro Bowl staple, and a player whose impact stretched beyond the stat lines. Whether it was commanding the middle of the field in Baltimore or mentoring younger players in New York, Mosley brought a championship mindset wherever he went.
Legacy: Hall of Very Good, or Future Hall of Famer?
While CJ Mosley may not have the Super Bowl ring or gaudy sack totals that define some Hall of Fame linebackers, his consistency, leadership, and production have earned him a place in the “Hall of Very Good” — and potentially, someday, a stronger case for Canton.
One thing is certain: CJ Mosley played the game with passion, professionalism, and power — and he exits the league as one of the most respected defenders of his era.
