New York Jets linebacker CJ Mosley opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns about his son's exposure to COVID-19—a decision Mosley admitted was amongst the most difficult of his football life.
During a Facebook Live event for the Wounded Warrior Project on Monday, the four-time Pro Bowler elaborated on his decision to prioritize family over football:
“That’s probably the biggest football decision I’ve made in a long time, probably since I picked what college I’m going to,” Mosley said.
The former Baltimore Raven signed a five-year, $85 million deal with New York in 2019, but suffered a groin injury in Week 2 that required core muscle surgery, ultimately costing him the rest of the season. Foregoing the 2020 campaign means Mosley will have played less than two full games in Gang Green through the first two years of his contract.
Mosley addressed the mixed reaction from Jets fans for his limited time on the field:
“[There's] lot of negative things people can say as far as me not playing two years…And there’s a lot of positive things that are being said…I got to look out for my family. Sometimes you got to make that small sacrifice that some people might not understand right now. But when you come out on top, everybody’s going to be on your side cheering for you.”
Mosley sees the extra time off as an opportunity for self-improvement:
“I have all this time to mentally get better, physically get better, kind of re-adjust and kind of find that flame again.”
“Because of COVID, my family is my support system with my son,” he added. “Looking at the big picture…I want to make sure I’m mentally and physically the best person I can be so I can be that leader I know I can be.”
The Jets are set to kick off the season on Sept. 13 in a road matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
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