Former Ravens Star Blames 'Internal Battles' for On-Field Struggles

Cornerback Jaire Alexander cited mental health issues for his poor performance and short stint in Baltimore.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:50am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the mental health battles that can impact athletic performance.A cubist interpretation of a cornerback's struggles, reflecting the mental health challenges that can plague even the most talented athletes.Buffalo Today

Former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jaire Alexander took to Instagram to open up about the 'internal battles' and mental health struggles he faced during his brief time with the team in 2025. Alexander, a former NFL All-Pro, struggled mightily in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills and was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles just a few weeks into the season. He never played a game for the Eagles, stepping away from football to focus on his physical and mental well-being.

Why it matters

Alexander's candid admission about his mental health challenges sheds light on the immense pressure and demands placed on professional athletes, even those at the peak of their careers. His story highlights the importance of prioritizing mental wellness in sports and providing adequate support systems for players.

The details

The Ravens signed Alexander to a 1-year, $4 million contract in 2025, hoping he could regain his All-Pro form. However, Alexander was a shell of himself, grading as the worst defender on the team in the season-opening loss to the Bills. He played in just two games before the Ravens traded him to the Eagles for a 6th round pick on November 1. In an Instagram post, Alexander revealed he was dealing with 'internal battles' and a loss of confidence that ultimately led him to step away from the game just 10 days after the trade.

  • The Ravens signed Alexander to a 1-year, $4 million contract before the 2025 season.
  • In the season-opening loss to the Bills, Alexander was the worst-graded defender for the Ravens.
  • The Ravens traded Alexander to the Eagles on November 1, 2025.
  • Alexander never played a game for the Eagles, stepping away from football 10 days after the trade to focus on his 'physical and mental health'.

The players

Jaire Alexander

A former NFL All-Pro cornerback who struggled with mental health issues during his brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.

Eric DeCosta

The general manager of the Baltimore Ravens who believed in Alexander and provided him with 'unlimited therapy sessions' to help him during his time in Baltimore.

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What they’re saying

“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. At corner you need ultimate confidence in your abilities and I felt it slipping away.”

— Jaire Alexander, Former Ravens Cornerback

“To put Baltimore's disastrous fourth quarter in perspective, teams had a record of 2,312-3 (.998) when holding a lead of 15 or more points in the final four minutes of a game since 2000, according to ESPN Research.”

— Jamison Hensley, ESPN Writer

What’s next

Alexander's future in the NFL remains uncertain as he continues to focus on his physical and mental health. The Ravens will look to rebound from their disappointing 2025 season and rebuild their secondary without the former All-Pro cornerback.

The takeaway

Jaire Alexander's candid admission about his internal struggles and mental health battles during his time with the Ravens highlights the immense pressure and challenges that even elite professional athletes can face. His story underscores the importance of prioritizing mental wellness in sports and providing comprehensive support systems for players.