C.J. Mosley

C.J. Mosley Bio

Clint Mosley Jr. (born June 19, 1992) is an American former professional football linebacker who played in the National Football League for ten seasons. He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he won two BCS national championships and earned the prestigious Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. Mosley was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft and went on to earn five Pro Bowl selections during his career with the Ravens and the New York Jets. Known for his instincts, leadership, and consistency, Mosley established himself as one of the premier inside linebackers of his generation.

Early Life and Background

Clint Mosley Jr. was born on June 19, 1992, in Theodore, Alabama, a suburb of Mobile. He attended Theodore High School, where he excelled in multiple sports including football, basketball, and track and field. As a sophomore, Mosley recorded 112 tackles, four sacks, and one interception while helping the Bobcats post a 6-5 record. His junior season saw him set a school record with 176 tackles, along with 17 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two interceptions, earning him ASWA 6A All-State honors.

As a senior in 2009, Mosley surpassed his own school record with 186 tackles while adding seven sacks, five fumble recoveries, and four interceptions. He earned his second consecutive ASWA 6A All-State selection and was named Class 6A Lineman of the Year. Mosley finished his high school career as Theodore’s all-time leading tackler with over 500 stops. In track and field, he competed in hurdles and jumps, posting personal bests of 16.15 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles and 1.80 meters in the high jump.

Regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Mosley was ranked as the sixth-ranked outside linebacker prospect in his class and the second-ranked player from Alabama. He played in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and committed to the University of Alabama during the game, choosing the Crimson Tide over Auburn, Florida State, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

College Career at Alabama

Mosley began his collegiate career at the University of Alabama in 2010, playing in all 13 games as a true freshman. His performance earned him consensus Freshman All-American honors, selected by FWAA, Rivals.com, and College Football News. In 2011, he shared the starting weak-side inside linebacker position with Nico Johnson while helping the Crimson Tide win the first of his two BCS national championships.

During the 2011 season, Mosley suffered a dislocated right elbow against Arkansas and missed two games. Despite the injury, he continued to develop as a key contributor. In 2012, he led the team with 107 tackles and was recognized as a consensus All-American, finishing third in the Butkus Award voting behind Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o and Georgia’s Jarvis Jones. He earned Alabama’s MVP award that season and was a first-team All-SEC selection.

As a senior in 2013, Mosley led Alabama in tackles for the second consecutive year with 108 stops. He won the Butkus Award, recognizing him as the best linebacker in the nation, and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year, sharing the honor with Missouri’s Michael Sam. Mosley was also a unanimous All-American and first-team All-SEC selection for the second straight year. His three career interception returns for touchdowns tied an Alabama record.

C.J. Mosley Career

Baltimore Ravens Era (2014-2018)

The Baltimore Ravens selected Mosley in the first round (17th overall) of the 2014 NFL draft, making him the highest-drafted Alabama linebacker since Rolando McClain in 2010. He signed a four-year, $8.87 million contract on May 27, 2014, and was assigned jersey number 57, previously worn by former Raven O.J. Brigance. Mosley became the first rookie to start on the Ravens defense since Haloti Ngata in 2006.

Mosley made his professional debut in the season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals and recorded seven combined tackles. He earned his first career start and quickly established himself as a playmaker, intercepting a pass from Andrew Luck in Week 4 and recording his first career sack against Drew Brees in Week 12. He was voted to the Pro Bowl, becoming the first Ravens player to earn that honor as a rookie. Mosley finished his rookie season with 133 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, three sacks, and two interceptions in 16 starts, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors and finishing as NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up.

Over the next three seasons with the Ravens, Mosley continued to be a defensive anchor. In 2015, he recorded 117 tackles, seven pass deflections, four sacks, and his first career fumble recovery for a touchdown. His 2016 season was cut short by a hamstring injury that ended his 37-game consecutive start streak, but he still earned his second Pro Bowl selection with 92 tackles and four interceptions. In 2017, Mosley recorded 132 tackles, returned an interception 63 yards for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins, and earned his third Pro Bowl selection. He led the team in tackles again in 2018 with 105 stops and made a game-winning interception against the Cleveland Browns to clinch the AFC North division title, earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection.

New York Jets Era (2019-2024)

On March 15, 2019, Mosley signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Jets, making him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the league. He made his Jets debut in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, recording five tackles and intercepting a pass from Josh Allen for a touchdown. However, he suffered a groin injury in the third quarter that would linger throughout the season. Mosley was placed on injured reserve on December 3, 2019, after appearing in just 11 games.

Mosley opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned in 2021 and posted impressive numbers with 168 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. In the 2022 season, Mosley had 158 tackles, one interception, and seven passes defensed, earning his fifth and final Pro Bowl selection. He was ranked 46th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023. Mosley continued his solid production in 2023 with 152 tackles and one interception. His 2024 season was limited to just four games due to toe and neck injuries.

The Jets released Mosley on March 12, 2025. On June 19, 2025, his 33rd birthday, Mosley announced his retirement from professional football after a decade in the NFL.

Playing Style and Strengths

Mosley was known for his exceptional instincts and football intelligence, allowing him to diagnose plays quickly and react accordingly. His ability to read quarterbacks made him a reliable coverage linebacker, evident in his 12 career interceptions. Mosley’s tackling consistency and leadership qualities made him a three-down player capable of stopping the run and defending passes equally well. He was also a strong communicator at the line of scrimmage, often calling out defensive signals and adjustments.

Notable Achievements

Throughout his career, Mosley earned five Pro Bowl selections (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022) and five Second-team All-Pro honors. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2014. In college, he won the Butkus Award, was a unanimous All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and a two-time BCS national champion with Alabama.

C.J. Mosley Career Statistics

Mosley recorded 1,083 career tackles, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 53 pass deflections, 10 forced fumbles, and 9 fumble recoveries over his 10 NFL seasons. He also scored three defensive touchdowns during his professional career.

Family

Family Background

Mosley’s football legacy extends to his family, with his brother Jamey Mosley also pursuing a professional career in the NFL. Jamey was briefly a teammate of C.J.’s with the New York Jets during the 2019 season.

2025 Season Performance

After limited action in 2024 due to injuries, Mosley was released by the Jets in March 2025. Rather than pursuing opportunities with another team, Mosley chose to retire on his 33rd birthday, June 19, 2025. He concluded his career as one of the most consistent and durable linebackers of his era, with his five Pro Bowl selections and double-digit interception seasons highlighting a distinguished decade in professional football.