Jaire Alexander Opens Up on Mental Health, Explains Stepping Away from NFL in IG Post

NFL cornerback Jaire Alexander was traded from the Baltimore Ravens to the Philadelphia Eagles in November but never played a down for the team, instead choosing to step away from the sport for personal reasons and physical reasons.

On Wednesday, he offered insight into what led to the decision and what he was battling during his time with the Ravens.

"As much as I loved Baltimore, I didn't love the position I was in. I had a bunch of internal battles with myself, I didn't have that confidence in my abilities I once did," he wrote on Instagram. "At corner you need ultimate confidence in your abilities and I felt it slipping away. It was at this moment I contemplated if I was making the right decision for my career. What helped me get through these times was not only god and my family but I had some really cool teammates who made it fun to be there. I felt as if I let the organization down. My family and friends would drive up to see me and I wasn't even playing in the games. I never questioned god but why me? All this while having a smile on my face. Football is a true gladiator sport, and once the confidence has gone it's time to hang it up. Thank you Flock Nation for embracing me. Thank you [Ravens' executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta] for believing in me. And thank you for the unlimited therapy sessions I had to encounter to help me with my time there. I am so grateful for the experience."

Alexander appeared in just two games for the Ravens, as the team ultimately buried him on the depth chart in favor of other options at cornerback. He had right knee surgery in Jan. 2025 and never seemed to return to form.

The Eagles acquired him for a late-round pick swap in November but he never played a down for the team. Philly placed him on the reserve/retired list and recouped $889,000 and were given a salary cap credit.

The 29-year-old was a two-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Green Bay Packers, emerging as one of the top corners in the sport. But he only played in 16 total games between the 2023-25 seasons, with injuries taking their toll.

It is unclear if he'll attempt to return to the sport after stepping away in November, though Wednesday's post felt like a goodbye.