C.J. Mosley

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Mosley's journey began in Theodore, where he set school records with over 500 career tackles. As a senior in 2009, he posted 186 tackles, seven sacks, five fumble recoveries, and four interceptions, earning Class 6A Lineman of the Year honors before committing to Alabama during the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. At college, he was a consensus Freshman All-American in 2010 and led the Crimson Tide in tackles for two consecutive years (107 in 2012, 108 in 2013). Despite dislocating his elbow in 2011 and hip labrum surgery before the draft, he was a first-team All-American in both 2012 and 2013. He finished third for the 2012 Butkus Award and shared the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award with Michael Sam in 2013.

In Their Own Story

Drafted 17th overall, Mosley took on the No. 57 jersey previously worn by O.J. Brigance, becoming the first rookie to start on the Ravens' defense since Haloti Ngata in 2006. His rookie year was defined by immediate impact: he recorded a season-high 15 tackles against the Indianapolis Colts and made his first career sack against Drew Brees in Week 12. By December 23, 2014, he secured a spot in the 2015 Pro Bowl, finishing as the runner-up for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with 133 combined tackles. In 2015, he scored his first career touchdown on a 41-yard fumble return against the Cincinnati Bengals and recorded two sacks against Peyton Manning. Although a hamstring injury in late 2016 ended his 37-game consecutive start streak, he rebounded to make 13 tackles in a win over the Eagles.

Reader's Guide

Mosley played as an inside linebacker alongside Daryl Smith (2014), Zach Orr (2016), and others. He was known for versatility, with coaches utilizing him heavily in pass coverage. His statistical peaks included a rookie season of 133 tackles, 89 solo, three sacks, and two interceptions. In 2015, he posted 117 combined tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble. Even when facing injuries that interrupted his streak, such as the hamstring issue in Weeks 6–7 of 2016, he remained a primary starter for head coach John Harbaugh. His career highlights include being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and earning multiple Pro Bowl nods while anchoring the Ravens' defensive front.

Did You Know?

• Mosley was the first Ravens player ever voted to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.
• He wore jersey No. 57, which had been unofficially retired for O.J. Brigance after his ALS diagnosis.
• As a senior at Theodore High School, he recorded 186 tackles, setting a new school record.
• In 2013, he shared the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award with Missouri's Michael Sam.
• Mosley led Alabama in tackles for two consecutive years (107 in 2012 and 108 in 2013).