One of Alabama's defining first-round picks of Nick Saban's peak run retires from the NFL on a milestone birthday
One of Alabama's biggest and most recognizable names from the Nick Saban era is walking away from the NFL. On his 33rd birthday, C.J. Mosley is hanging up his cleats and calling his career over. Mosley, a native of Theodore, Alabama, etched his name into Alabama Crimson Tide history as one of the most dominant […]
One of Alabama's biggest and most recognizable names from the Nick Saban era is walking away from the NFL. On his 33rd birthday, C.J. Mosley is hanging up his cleats and calling his career over.
Mosley, a native of Theodore, Alabama, etched his name into Alabama Crimson Tide history as one of the most dominant linebackers under coach Nick Saban.
From 2010 to 2013, Mosley’s tenacity and versatility anchored Alabama’s defense, contributing to two BCS National Championships (2011, 2012). Exceptional statistics, prestigious awards, and a legacy of leadership marked his career with the Crimson Tide.
As a true freshman in 2010, Mosley played all 13 games, recording 67 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns. His performance earned him consensus Freshman All-American honors from the FWAA, Rivals.com, and College Football News.
Despite a dislocated elbow in 2011 that sidelined him for two games, Mosley still contributed significantly, showcasing his resilience. His junior year in 2012 was a breakout, leading the team with 107 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown.
This earned him First-Team All-American honors from the Associated Press, Alabama’s MVP award, and a third-place finish for the Butkus Award, recognizing the nation’s top linebacker. Mosley’s three career interception returns for touchdowns tied an Alabama record.
In his senior year of 2013, Mosley led the team again with 108 tackles, averaging the highest tackles-per-game of his college career. He was a semifinalist for the Lombardi, Bednarik, and Butkus Awards, ultimately winning the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker.
Mosley shared the 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year award with Missouri’s Michael Sam and was named a unanimous First-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC. His leadership helped Alabama maintain a fearsome defensive reputation, even as he played through a hip labrum injury requiring surgery before the NFL Combine.
Mosley’s impact extended beyond statistics. A four-star recruit ranked as the No. 6 outside linebacker by Rivals.com, he committed to Alabama during the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, choosing the Crimson Tide over Auburn and others.
His versatility in coverage and sure tackling made him a cornerstone of Saban’s defense, leaving a lasting legacy at Alabama.
Drafted 17th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2014, C.J. Mosley quickly established himself as an elite NFL linebacker, earning four Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2016-18) and four Second-Team All-Pro honors.
He joined the New York Jets in 2019, adding a fifth Pro Bowl in 2021. Despite injuries limiting him to four games in 2024, Mosley amassed 1,114 career tackles, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, and 11 forced fumbles.
Released by the Jets in March 2025, the five-time Second-Team All-Pro walks away from the game as one of the most memorable and impactful off-ball linebackers in the league during his tenure.
