Former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jaire Alexander opened up about his mental health struggles during his time with the team last season.
Former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jaire Alexander opened up about his mental health struggles during his time with the team last season.
The All-Pro corner took to Instagram and was transparent about his struggles. On top of that, he thanked the Ravens organization for supporting him through it.
“As much as I loved Baltimore, I didn’t love the position I was in," Alexander wrote. "I had a bunch of internal battles with myself. I didn’t have that confidence in my abilities I once did. 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 & 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 EDC for believing in me & 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.”
The 29-year-old joined the Ravens in June 2025, signing a one-year deal with the team. Alexander's contract was worth up to $6 million, which included incentives.
Alexander joined the team after the Green Bay Packers released him after seven seasons. He made his way to Baltimore; however, he only appeared in two games for the Ravens.
In his time in Baltimore, Alexander recorded five total tackles, with four of them being solo. After two games, the Ravens designated him as a healthy inactive for five games.
Prior to the NFL trade deadline last season, the Ravens traded Alexander, along with a 2027 seventh-round pick, to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
However, Alexander did not play a game for the Eagles. Ten days after he was traded to Philadelphia, Alexander announced that he would be stepping away from football to focus on his physical and mental health. He was replaced on the reserve/retired list the next day.
Alexander was one of the better cornerbacks in the game when he was a member of the Packers. In his seven seasons in Green Bay, he recorded 287 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 70 passes defended and 12 interceptions in 78 games and 76 starts.
The Philadelphia native earned two Second-team All-Pro selections and has been named a two-time Pro Bowler in his career. Alexander's future in the league is unclear.