C. J. Uzomah

The son of Xavier and Stephanie Uzomah, C. J. attended North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Georgia, where he played quarterback.{{Cite web |last=Denman |first=Taylor |date=October 1, 2018 |title=North grad C.J. Uzomah stays connected to Suwanee during fourth NFL season |url=https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/sports/north-grad-c-j-uzomah-stays-connected-to-suwanee-during-fourth-nfl-season/article_6c444e1f-c52b-5ef3-8b6a-39ab0d13e8f1.html |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=Gwinnett Daily Post |language=en}} During his senior season, threw for 238 yards with two touchdowns, rushed for 74 yards and had 168 receiving yards with one touchdown. As a junior, he passed for 1,750 yards and 15 touchdowns, and ran for 800 yards and 10 more touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=C.J. Uzomah – 2014 Football Roster – Auburn |url=http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cj_uzomah_742494.html |access-date=October 11, 2018 |website=Auburn Tigers Athletics |language=en |archive-date=November 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116195658/http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cj_uzomah_742494.html |url-status=dead }}

Primarily a blocking tight end at Auburn, Uzomah caught only 29 passes in his four seasons, but seven of them were for touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=C.J. Uzomah |url=http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/C.J.-Uzomah/f17f786c-81ad-4d08-9338-c8c2ed28db55 |access-date=October 11, 2018 |website=Cincinnati Bengals |language=en-US |archive-date=June 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610100841/http://www.bengals.com/team/roster/C.J.-Uzomah/f17f786c-81ad-4d08-9338-c8c2ed28db55 |url-status=dead }} He majored in Marketing while at Auburn. As a freshman, he threw a 4-yard touchdown pass.

Uzomah attended the 2015 Medal of Honor Bowl along with teammates Angelo Blackson and Jermaine Whitehead, making one reception for 29 yards to help the National team defeat the American team 26–14.{{Cite web |last=Marcello |first=Brandon |date=January 3, 2015 |title=3 Auburn players to play in Medal of Honor Bowl |url=http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2015/01/3_auburn_players_to_play_in_me.html |access-date=December 2, 2017 |website=AL.com}}{{Cite web |title=2015 Medal of Honor Bowl: National roster |url=http://www.mohbowl.com/team-rosters/ |access-date=December 2, 2015 |website=Medal of Honor Bowl}} On January 17, 2015, it was announced that Uzomah had accepted his invitation to play in the 2014 Senior Bowl.{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2015 |title=C.J. Uzomah to play in Senior Bowl |url=http://sports.usatoday.com/2015/01/17/cj-uzomah-to-play-in-senior-bowl/ |access-date=December 2, 2017 |website=USA Today |archive-date=December 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203224527/http://sports.usatoday.com/2015/01/17/cj-uzomah-to-play-in-senior-bowl/ |url-status=dead }} On January 24, 2015, Uzomah caught a pass for nine yards and was a part of a South team that lost 34–13 in the Reese's Senior Bowl. Although he played in the two all-star games, Uzomah was not one of 19 tight ends who received an invitation to perform at the NFL Combine.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Paul |date=April 28, 2015 |title=North Gwinnett's C.J. Uzomah ready to show NFL teams he can play physical |url=http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2015/apr/29/north-gwinnett8217s-cj-uzomah-ready-to-show-nfl/ |access-date=October 11, 2018 |website=Gwinnett Daily Post |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Erickson |first=Joel |date=December 30, 2014 |title=Auburn's C.J. Uzomah hoping to make one final impression on NFL with 'wow moment' in Outback Bowl |url=http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2014/12/auburns_cj_uzomah_hoping_to_ma.html |access-date=October 11, 2018 |website=AL.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=January 23, 2015 |title=C.J. Uzomah hopes blocking skills open NFL doors |url=http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburn/2015/01/23/cj-uzomah-hopes-show-blocking-skills-open-nfl-opportunities/22257325/ |access-date=October 11, 2018 |website=The Montgomery Advertiser |language=en}}

On March 3, 2015, he participated at Auburn's pro day, along with Cameron Artis-Payne, Blackson, Quan Bray, Sammie Coates, Reese Dismukes, Corey Grant, Nick Marshall, Brandon King, Whitehead, Gabe Wright, Trovon Reed, and nine other teammates. Uzomah performed all of the combine and positional drills for scouts and representatives from all 32 NFL teams.{{Cite web |last=Erickson |first=Joel |date=March 3, 2015 |title=See how all 21 Auburn draft hopefuls performed at Pro Day |url=https://www.al.com/articles/15369024/see_how_all_21_auburn_draft_ho.amp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204061203/https://www.al.com/articles/15369024/see_how_all_21_auburn_draft_ho.amp |archive-date=December 4, 2017 |access-date=December 2, 2017 |website=AL.com}} He was projected to be a sixth or seventh round draft pick or a possible priority free agent by the majority of NFL draft experts and analysts. NFLDraftScout.com ranked him the 12th best tight end prospect in the draft.{{Cite web |title=C.J. Uzomah, DS #12 TE, Auburn |url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=119765&draftyear=2015&genpos=TE |access-date=December 2, 2017 |website=nfldraftscout.com}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 5 3/4

| weight = 262

| dash = 4.62

| ten split = 1.58

| twenty split = 2.65

| shuttle = 4.57

| cone drill = 7.22

| vertical = 31.0

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 10

| bench = 19

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 34 3/4

| hand span = 9 3/4

| note = All values from Auburn's Pro Day{{Cite web |title=C.J. Uzomah, Auburn, TE, 2015 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=119765&DraftYear=2015 |access-date=January 23, 2022 |website=draftscout.com}}

}}

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Uzomah in the fifth round (157th overall) of the 2015 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Marcello |first=Brandon |date=May 2, 2015 |title=Former Auburn tight end C.J. Uzomah makes big jump in NFL Draft |url=http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2015/05/former_auburn_tight_end_cj_uzo.html |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=AL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Crepea |first=James |date=May 2, 2015 |title=C.J. Uzomah drafted by Cincinnati Bengals |url=http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/auburnauthority/2015/05/02/cj-uzomah-drafted-by-cincinnati-bengals/26778939/ |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=Montgomery Advertiser}} He was the seventh tight end selected in 2015 and the second tight end drafted by the Bengals that year, behind Rutgers' Tyler Kroft (third round, 85th overall).{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/draft.htm |access-date=May 15, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On May 15, 2015, the Bengals signed Uzomah to a four-year, $2.49 million contract with a signing bonus of $212,762.{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: C. J. Uzomah contract |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/c.j.-uzomah-16883/ |access-date=December 2, 2017 |website=Spotrac.com}}

Throughout training camp, he competed with Tyler Kroft, Jake Murphy, Matt Lengel, and John Peters for the job as the second tight end after Jermaine Gresham departed to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals' depth chart: 08/01/2015 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/174/CIN |access-date=December 2, 2017 |website=Ourlads.com}} Head coach Marvin Lewis named Uzomah the third tight end on the Bengals' depth chart behind Tyler Eifert and Kroft.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengal's depth chart: 10/1/2015 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/176/CIN |access-date=December 2, 2017 |website=Ourlads.com}}

On December 6, 2015, Uzomah made his professional regular season debut after being a healthy scratch for the first 11 games. He was promoted to the second tight end after Tyler Eifert had been ruled out of the game after suffering a neck injury.{{Cite web |last=Dehner Jr. |first=Paul |date=November 30, 2015 |title=Tyler Eifert fights injury on busy day |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/amp/76398880 |access-date=December 2, 2017 |website=Cincinnati.com }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He caught a four-yard pass by Andy Dalton to mark the first reception of his career in the fourth quarter of the Bengals' 37–3 victory over the Cleveland Browns.{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns - December 6th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201512060cle.htm |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He completed his rookie season with one reception for four receiving yards in five games and zero starts. The Bengals finished atop the AFC North in {{NFL Year|2015}} with a 12–4 record. On January 9, 2016, Uzomah appeared in his first playoff game, as the Bengals were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Round.{{Cite web |title=C.J. Uzomah 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/U/UzomC.00/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2015 Cincinnati Bengals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2015.htm |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Uzomah entered training camp competing to remain a backup tight end against Tyler Kroft, Matt Lengel, and John Peters. He was named the Cincinnati Bengals' starting tight end to begin the regular season after Tyler Eifert was unable to return in time after fracturing his ankle in the 2016 Pro Bowl and Tyler Kroft suffered a sprain knee in training camp.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=August 26, 2016 |title=Bengals' Tyler Eifert (ankle) targeting Week 4 return |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-tyler-eifert-ankle-targeting-week-4-return-0ap3000000690578 |access-date=December 2, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}

He started the Bengals' season-opener at the New York Jets and recorded two receptions for a season-high 59 yards in a 23–22 victory. During a Week 5 contest at the Dallas Cowboys, he made a season-high five catches for 43 yards in the Bengals' 28–14 loss. He was inactive for Weeks 11–15 after both Eifert and Kroft had returned from injury. Uzomah started the last two games of the season after Kroft had suffered a knee injury and Eifert had suffered a back injury that would require surgery.{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2016 |title=Bengals' Tyler Kroft: Dealing with ankle and knee injuries |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/bengals-tyler-kroft-dealing-with-ankle-and-knee-injuries/ |access-date=December 3, 2017 |website=CBSSports.com}}{{Cite web |last=Zucker |first=Joseph |date=May 24, 2016 |title=Tyler Eifert Injury: Updates on Bengals TE's Ankle, Back and Return |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2642130-tyler-eifert-injury-updates-on-bengals-tes-recovery-from-ankle-surgery |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} On January 1, 2017, Uzomah scored his first career touchdown on a one-yard pass from Andy Dalton during a 27–10 win over the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |last=Inabinett |first=Mark |date=January 2017 |title=See C.J. Uzomah catch his first NFL touchdown pass |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/01/see_cj_uzomah_catch_his_first.html |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=AL.com}} He completed the {{NFL Year|2016}} season with 25 receptions for 234 yards and a touchdown in ten games and eight starts.{{Cite web |title=C.J. Uzomah 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/U/UzomC.00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Uzomah competed with Tyler Kroft and rookies Mason Schreck and Cethan Carter throughout training camp for the job as the backup tight end.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals' depth chart: 08/01/2017 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/198/CIN |access-date=December 3, 2017 |website=ourlads.com}} Head coach Marvin Lewis named Uzomah the third tight end on the Bengals' depth chart to start the regular season.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Cincinnati Bengals' depth chart: 10/01/2017 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/200/CIN |access-date=December 3, 2017 |website=Ourlads.com}}

After being inactive for the first two games, Uzomah was activated for Week 3 after Tyler Eifert was unable to play due to a back injury. Eifert was placed on injured/reserve for the remainder of the season.{{Cite web |last=Marcum |first=Jason |date=October 11, 2017 |title=Tyler Eifert injury update: Bengals TE undergoing season-ending surgery, per ESPN |url=https://www.cincyjungle.com/platform/amp/2017/10/11/16462666/tyler-eifert-injury-update-bengals-te-season-ending-surgery-per-espn |access-date=December 3, 2017 |website=Cincy Jungle}} On October 1, 2017, Uzomah made his first catch of the season for an 11-yard gain during a 31–7 victory at the Browns. The next game, he earned his first start of the season and had one reception for 21 yards in a 20–16 win against the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals - October 8th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710080cin.htm |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He totaled 10 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown on the season.{{Cite web |title=C.J. Uzomah 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/U/UzomC.00/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In 2018, Uzomah played in 16 games with 15 starts, recording a career-high 43 receptions for 439 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=C.J. Uzomah 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/U/UzomC.00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 11, 2019, Uzomah signed a three-year, $18 million contract extension with the Bengals.{{Cite web |last=Sheeran |first=John |date=March 11, 2019 |title=Bengals re-sign TE C.J. Uzomah |url=https://www.cincyjungle.com/2019/3/11/18260517/bengals-free-agency-te-cj-uzomah-contract |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=CincyJungle.com}} He started in all 16 games and recorded 27 receptions for 242 receiving yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=C.J. Uzomah 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/U/UzomC.00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In the Bengals second game of the 2020 season, Uzomah caught four passes for 42 yards and rookie quarterback Joe Burrow's first career passing touchdown against the Browns.{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – September 17th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009170cle.htm |access-date=September 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During the game, Uzomah also tore his Achilles tendon which caused him to miss the rest of the season.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=September 18, 2020 |title=Bengals TE C.J. Uzomah suffered season-ending torn Achilles in loss to Browns |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-te-cj-uzomah-out-for-season-with-torn-achilles |access-date=September 19, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} The following day, he was placed on injured reserve.{{Cite web |date=September 18, 2020 |title=Bengals Sign Mason Schreck To Roster, Place C.J. Uzomah On Reserve/Injured |url=https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-mason-schreck-to-roster-place-c-j-uzomah-on-reserve-injured |access-date=September 19, 2020 |website=Bengals.com}}

Uzomah returned to start 16 games for the Bengals in 2021, setting new career highs for receptions (49), receiving yards (493), and touchdowns (5).{{Cite web |title=C.J. Uzomah 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/U/UzomC.00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He went on to catch six passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in the Wild Card Round win over the Las Vegas Raiders.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Las Vegas Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals - January 15th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202201150cin.htm |access-date=January 28, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Uzomah had two receptions for 11 yards in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LVI - Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals - February 13th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202202130cin.htm |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 17, 2022, Uzomah signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the New York Jets.{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Jack |date=March 17, 2022 |title=Jets Sign TE C.J. Uzomah |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-sign-te-c-j-uzomah |access-date=March 17, 2022 |website=New York Jets}} He appeared in 15 games in the 2022 season. He finished with 21 receptions for 232 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, which both came in Week 15 against the Detroit Lions.{{Cite web |title=C.J. Uzomah 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/U/UzomC.00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On December 6, 2023, Uzomah was placed on injured reserve after suffering an MCL injury in Week 13.{{cite web|title=Jets Place TE C.J. Uzomah on Injured Reserve; Activate TE Kenny Yeboah|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/cj-uzomah-injured-reserve-kenny-yeboah-active-roster-12-6-2023|author=Greenberg, Ethan|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=December 6, 2023}}

On March 5, 2024, Uzomah was released by the Jets.{{Cite web |last=Costello |first=Brian |date=March 5, 2024 |title=Jets release C.J. Uzomah to free up cap space ahead of NFL free agency |url=https://nypost.com/2024/03/05/sports/jets-release-c-j-uzomah-ahead-of-nfl-free-agency/ |access-date=March 5, 2024 |website=NYPost.com}}

On April 11, 2024, Uzomah signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.{{cite web | last=Boyle | first=Owen | title=Eagles sign C.J. Uzomah to a 1-year contract | website=Philadelphia Eagles | date=2024-04-11 | url=https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-sign-cj-uzomah | access-date=2024-10-11}} Uzomah was released by the Eagles on August 21, 2024, before the regular season began.{{cite web | last=Bowman | first=Paul | title=Eagles Roster Moves: C.J. Uzomah Out, Jason Poe Back In | website=Philadelphia Sports News Today | date=2024-08-21 | url=https://www.sportstalkphilly.com/news/eagles-roster-moves-c-j-uzomah-out-jason-poe-back-in | access-date=2024-10-11}} He re-signed with the practice squad on October 10.{{cite web | title=Roster Moves: Eagles sign TE C.J. Uzomah to practice squad | website=Philadelphia Eagles | date=2024-10-10 | url=https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/roster-moves-eagles-sign-cj-uzomah-to-practice-squad | access-date=2024-10-11}} He was promoted to the active roster on December 4.{{cite web | last=McPherson | first=Chris | title=Eagles sign TE C.J. Uzomah to the active roster, WR Parris Campbell to the practice squad | website=Philadelphia Eagles | date=2024-12-04 | url=https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-sign-cj-uzomah-to-the-active-roster-parris-campbell-to-the-practice-squad | access-date=2025-02-17}} He was placed on injured reserve on January 30, 2025.{{cite web | last=McPherson | first=Chris | title=Eagles place TE C.J. Uzomah on Injured Reserve | website=Philadelphia Eagles | date=2025-01-01 | url=https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-place-cj-uzomah-on-injured-reserve-week-18-giants | access-date=2025-02-17}} He won a Super Bowl championship when the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX.{{cite web | last=Maaddi | first=Rob | title=Eagles deny the Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat with dominant defense in a 40-22 rout | website=AP News | date=2025-02-10 | url=https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2025-eagles-chiefs-score-e2ff209c074a00a6faff39750ff048f8 | access-date=2025-02-17}}

C.J.'s father, Xavier, earned an MBA from Auburn. Uzomah's mother, Stephanie, holds a doctorate in education.{{Cite web |title=Uzomah |url=http://ocm.auburn.edu/featured_story/uzomah.html#.WGlnABsrI2w |access-date=October 11, 2018 |website=Auburn University Newsroom |language=en}} Uzomah is of Nigerian descent.{{Cite web |last=Khalid |first=Sunni |date=December 5, 2017 |title=From Africa to the NFL |url=https://andscape.com/features/from-africa-to-the-nfl-native-born-and-first-generation-players/ |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=ANDSCAPE}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons}}

{{footballstats|pfr=U/UzomC.00|yahoo=28545|espn=2574576|nfl=c-j-uzomah}}

• [https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/players-roster/c-j-uzomah/ Philadelphia Eagles bio]
• [https://auburntigers.com/sports/football/roster/c-j-uzomah/1575 Auburn Tigers bio]

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Category:1993 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football tight ends

Category:American sportspeople of Nigerian descent

Category:Auburn Tigers football players

Category:Cincinnati Bengals players

Category:New York Jets players

Category:North Gwinnett High School alumni

Category:Sportspeople from Suwanee, Georgia

Category:Players of American football from Gwinnett County, Georgia

Category:Philadelphia Eagles players