Opt-out was tough move for Mosley

Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley made it clear this week that his family is his top priority amid the pandemic. The four-time Pro Bowler said on a Facebook Live event in conjunction with the Wounded Warrior Project on Monday that he chose to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns about his young son.

“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 told veteran Tanika Richard during the event that also included appearances by two of Mosley’s uncles who served in the military. “So, that’s a book I got to start writing pretty soon. Figure out what’s the next step.

“Because (there’s) a lot of negative things people can say as far as me not playing two years,” Mosley added. “And there’s a lot of positive things that are being said… I’m out all year so I have all this time to mentally get better, physically get better, kind of re-adjust and kind of find that flame again.”

Mosley played just two games after signing a blockbuster five-year, $85 million deal in free agency last year. He was terrific in the season opener before suffering a groin injury that ultimately required core muscle surgery.

The Jets were excited to get back the quarterback of their defense. Now, he’ll effectively miss the first two seasons with them. Ultimately, Mosley made the right decision for his family and himself by not wanting to risk exposing his young son.

“Because of COVID, my family is my support system with my son,” said Mosley, who comes from a military family. “So, I didn’t want to risk that obviously. But I think just looking at the big picture, for me, 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 will be without Mosley and All-Pro Jamal Adams, who was traded to the Seahawks a few days before players reported for the start of training camp after a contentious off-season.

“Sometimes you got to make that small sacrifice that some people might not understand right now,” Mosley said. “But when you come out on top, everybody’s going to be on your side cheering for you.”