C.J. Mosley, a former star for the Ravens and Jets who made five Pro Bowls during his 11-year NFL career, recently announced his retirement.
The two-time BCS national champion, C.J. Mosley, announced his retirement from his NFL career on his 33rd birthday on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Mosley was released by the New York Jets on March 12, 2025, after playing in just four games the previous season due to a toe injury and later a herniated disk in his neck.
Furthermore, He announced his retirement, sharing a 2-minute, 10-second video on his Instagram account that featured highlights of his playing career, along with the caption “Once upon a time.“
“Today, it is time to wake up from my childhood dream and share it with the next generation,” Mosley said.
“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, but I’m here to tell you every sacrifice is worth it.”When you wake up, what will your legacy look like?
Northwest Arkansas Democrat
Throughout his NFL career and now after his retirement, C.J. Mosley’s parents have remained by his side as his constant supporters, always his biggest fans, through both the good and bad times.
C.J. was born Clint Mosley Jr. on June 19, 1992, in Theodore, Alabama, United States, to parents, Clinton ‘Clint’ Mosley Sr. and Tracy Mosley. He has a younger brother named Jamey Mosley.
Despite being the parents of a renowned NFL player, Clinton and Tracy Mosley prefer to maintain a low profile and haven’t shared much about their personal and professional lives.
However, C.J. Mosley frequently expresses his love for his parents and credits them for guiding him in both his professional and personal journey.
C.J. Mosley’s Parents, Clinton And Tracy, Instilled In Him The Work Ethic And Dedication That Shaped His Professional Career
Clinton Sr. and Tracy Mosley instilled in their sons, C.J. Mosley and Jamey Mosley, a dedication to working hard and not quitting, no matter how difficult things might become.
Furthermore, C.J. Mosley not only inherited his love and passion for sports but also his humble and kind genes from his parents.
“He’s never been that type of kid who thought he was better than anybody else. I guess because we never put him on a pedestal or made him think he was more than anybody else,” said Tracy Mosley.
Both his father, Clinton, and mother, Tracy, are hardworking, and they taught their kids the importance of hard work and determination.
C.J. Mosley also sought advice from his father during his challenging 2021 season with the Jets, particularly regarding a leadership role.
“This is the most I’ve talked to my dad about the leadership role and things to say and not to say and how to react,” said C.J. Mosley.
C.J. Mosley shared that when he discussed his struggles with his father, Clinton, his father used an example from when he first became a supervisor revealing that he faced pushback for holding his team accountable, and his best friend told him, (C.J.’ father) ‘Sometimes You Have to Be Clear About Your Mindset and the Kind of Environment You Want to Create.’
C.J. stated that talking to his father changed his thoughts. He said:
“That kind of hit me, because I’m in a position where I can be a player that goes out and does his thing on the field and just chills and lets things go and gets through the season. But I know what kind of team I want to be on and I know what kind of player I want to be, so when I do see things or something not going right, I’ve got to be the one to step up. I’ve been chosen by my peers and my coaches to do so.”
NewYork Post
While very little information is available about his parents’ professional lives, his father, Clinton Mosley Sr., worked for years in shipyards all along the Gulf Coast, from Mobile, Alabama, to Mississippi, before earning a supervisor position later.
Likewise, his mother, Tracy Mosley, worked as a substitute teacher in Mobile, Alabama.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- C.J. Mosley shares a daughter, Madison Jade Mosley, born on October 17, 2024, with girlfriend Jamie Reiff.
- He attended Theodore High School, where he played football, basketball, and ran track.
- C.J. played college football at the University of Alabama from 2010 to 2013 before beginning his professional career with the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL in 2014.
