C.J. Mosley was a special player from the moment he first stepped onto the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide in September 2010.
A 4-star recruit from Theodore High School who was named a Parade All-American, Mosley’s four-year playing career in Tuscaloosa from 2010-13 would include such accolades as being a two-time All-American, the 2013 Butkus Award winner, and a member of two national championship teams.
Mosley was a first-round pick (No. 17 overall) by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2014 NFL Draft. On Thursday, the day of his 33rd birthday, Mosley announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons — the last six of which were spent with the New York Jets.
Mosley said in a post to Instagram:
“Once upon a time, a kid from Mobile, Alabama, had a dream to do great things on the football field. I followed you my whole life not knowing where you would take me. To envision myself as a Ray Lewis or a Brian Urlacher was just the first steps of this 11-year journey. You opened doors that I once only dreamed of. You gave me passion. You gave me strength, self-endurance, pain and, most importantly, being able to trust and lead men. Today, it is time to wake up from my childhood dream and share with the next generation. I spent my whole life and career building my legacy. Now it’s time to start a new chapter with new dreams. It won’t be easy. I’m here to tell you, every sacrifice is worth it. When you wake up, what will your legacy look like?”
