The National Football League is returning one of its premiere linebackers this season.
C.J. Mosley signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the New York Jets on March 15, 2019; however, he has played in two games in two years. The former Alabama standout got off to a strong start in 2019, as he totaled nine tackles, two pass breakups, one interception, and one touchdown in the Jets’ season opener versus the Buffalo Bills. He would suffer a groin injury and then would aggravate it throughout the year.
Mosley was placed on injured reserve on December 3. He opted out of the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
RELATED: Patriots’ wide receiver on Mac Jones: “He has a swag to him that I didn’t know he had”
Before signing with the Jets, Mosley spent five years (2014-18) with the Baltimore Ravens.
He was taken in the first round (No. 17 overall) in the 2014 NFL Draft, and recorded 100+ tackles in four of five seasons. Mosley was a four-time Pro Bowler and was twice named second-team All-Pro. The Jets have a new head coach (Robert Saleh) and a new quarterback (Zach Wilson); however, the return of Mosley is the biggest thing. According to Al Iannazzone, who covers the Jets for newsday.com, he said Mosley is ‘motivated’ to show he’s still a Pro Bowl linebacker.
C.J. Mosley believes he can return to being a Pro Bowl linebacker after appearing in just two games the past two seasons. #Jets
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) May 27, 2021
A native of Theodore, Ala., Mosley was a force at the University of Alabama.
He played linebacker under Nick Saban from 2010-13 and won two BCS National Championships (2011, 2012). Mosley was a Southeastern Conference champion in 2012 and earned a host of individual honors – including SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2013), Dick Butkus Award (2013), Consensus All-American (2012, 2013), and first-team All-SEC (2012, 2013).
Crimson Tide fans are looking forward to seeing him return with dominance.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
