Bengals' Zack Moss: Will Broken Neck Sideline NFL Career?
Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss is facing a pivotal moment in his NFL career. After suffering a broken neck last November, the 27-year-old is grappling with the decision of whether to continue playing professional football. The injury, sustained just days before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders, sidelined him for two months and required him to wear a neck brace, significantly limiting his movement.
Moss, who has earned $9.2 million over five NFL seasons, finds himself at a crossroads. The physical demands of the sport, coupled with the challenges of rehabbing from a serious injury and raising a young family, have prompted him to seriously consider his future. His wife, Jess, who has always accompanied him to training camp, stayed home this year with their two children, a 2-year-old son and a 2-month-old daughter, highlighting the changing priorities in his life.
“We are in a phase of life where other things take priority right now,” Moss stated. “She’s doing a great job with that. I’m doing my job to the best of my ability right now. Hopefully, things work out.”
Moss discussed his situation with Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, and the possibility of retirement was addressed. While acknowledging the difficulty of the decision, Moss has expressed his intention to continue with his rehab and assess his options from there. He emphasized his commitment to the team by attending training camp despite the personal challenges.
Update: The Bengals have released Zack Moss. The announcement was made today, July 30, 2025. Moss had signed with the Bengals as an unrestricted free agent in the 2024 offseason. He played in eight games, starting six, recording 242 rushing yards and two touchdowns, as well as 23 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown.
The Bengals also announced that C Seth McLaughlin has passed a physical and is cleared to practice.
What's next for Zack Moss?
The release of Zack Moss raises questions about his future in the NFL. Will another team pick him up? Will he decide to retire? Only time will tell.