As the Cincinnati Bengals gear up for the 2026 season, a familiar face has returned to the Queen City. C.J. Uzomah, the beloved former tight end, signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a Bengal, a fitting tribute to a player who gave so much to the franchise. But Uzomah's legacy in Cincinnati goes beyond his locker room presence or his crucial role in the 2021 Super Bowl run. He holds a statistical distinction that no other player in Bengals history can claim: he caught the final touchdown pass thrown by Andy Dalton as a Bengal and the first touchdown pass thrown by Joe Burrow.
A Unique Place in Bengals Lore
The Dalton-to-Uzomah connection came on December 29, 2019, during a 33-23 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Dalton, in what would be his final game with the Bengals, found Uzomah in the first quarter for a score that helped seal the win. Just over eight months later, on September 17, 2020, Uzomah was on the receiving end of Joe Burrow's first career touchdown pass—a 23-yard strike in a 35-30 loss to the Browns. Remarkably, both touchdown passes came against the same division rival, the Cleveland Browns, making this trivia nugget even more improbable.
"It's surreal to think about," Uzomah said during his retirement press conference. "To be the guy who caught Andy's last and Joe's first, both against Cleveland—you can't write a better script. This city and this franchise mean everything to me."
From Fan Favorite to Ruler of the Jungle
Uzomah's impact on the Bengals extended far beyond those two touchdowns. He was a key contributor during the 2021 season, helping the team win its first AFC North title since 2015 and advance to Super Bowl LVI. After leaving for the New York Jets in 2022, Uzomah's career wound down, but his bond with Cincinnati never faded. This week, he was back at practice, chatting with Burrow and other current players, and the team announced he will serve as the 'Ruler of the Jungle' for the Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars—a ceremonial role that underscores his enduring popularity.
As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Uzomah's unique statistical achievement is a testament to his longevity and reliability. In an era of constant roster turnover, his ability to bridge the Dalton and Burrow eras makes him a true Bengals icon. While he may not have the gaudy career numbers of some of his peers, his place in franchise history is secure—not just for the touchdowns, but for the heart he brought to every snap.
For Bengals fans, seeing Uzomah back in the building is a reminder of the journey from the lean years to the current contender status. And when he takes the field as Ruler of the Jungle in Week 4, expect a roar from the crowd that echoes the love they've always had for No. 87.
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