MOBILE, Ala. ([WALA](https://www.fox10tv.com/)) - A local legend and newly retired NFL star is back on his old stomping grounds, this time, giving back to the next generation.
C.J. Mosley, the all-pro linebacker and Theodore High School alum, hosted his 9th annual free youth football camp.
It may have felt like midseason heat in late June, but for the kids at C.A. Douglas Field — this was the best kind of summer fun.
> Being in the moment, it’s a great thing. We all love football, but down the road, when we look back at it, this is all about building a community, building up the players, trusting each other, building up these younger kids, their self-esteem, just to be out and to be able to surround themselves with people, doing things the right way.
Newly retired all-pro linebacker C.J. Mosley returned to his alma mater — not just to teach football, but to inspire.
His annual skills football camp welcomed boys and girls ages 5 to 17, using non-contact drills modeled after USA football’s development system.
Whether it was footwork, catching or route running — campers learned proper form and technique in an age-appropriate way thanks to Mosley and his family.
> It’s just about giving back and that’s the kind of people C.J. and his family are. They want to give back to what they feel is home to them, and it is home to them. If you have a conversation with C.J. Mosley, you know in a hurry, he’s a very humble person, and just by his example of being here and interacting with people, our guys are learning from that, and that kind of experience is invaluable to their life growth, not just in football, but in life in general. So what an example for everybody here, even the adults, including myself.
Theodore High School players and coaches stepped up too — helping lead drills and encouraging kids throughout the day.
> It means a lot. I always wanted to be that way and still want to be that way. It feels good just showing the youth love and just being out here with the kids.
After breaking a sweat under the sun, campers refueled with a Chick-fil-a lunch — but the biggest takeaway wasn’t food or football.
It was a chance to learn from someone who made it — and who never forgot where he came from.
> The most important thing is the community. I wouldn’t be here without my family and my community. Every time we host our camp here at Theodore, the community of Theodore, friends and family, the area always comes through to support, so that’s what means most to me.
What a great day for the kids — and a full circle moment for C.J. Mosley.
Mosley officially announced his retirement from the NFL just recently after eleven seasons in the league.
He started his career with the Baltimore Ravens and ended it with the New York Jets.
_Copyright 2025 WALA. All rights reserved._