Veteran Tight End CJ Uzomah Retires After 10 NFL Seasons

Veteran tight end C.J. Uzomah announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, August 24, 2026, choosing to formally end his 10-year professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals, the franchise that drafted him in 2015.

The 33-year-old Suwanee, Georgia native was originally selected by Cincinnati in the fifth round with the 157th overall pick out of Auburn University. He spent seven seasons with the Bengals, developing into a key offensive weapon and locker room leader.

During his time in Cincinnati, Uzomah helped spark the franchise's run to Super Bowl LVI following the 2021 season, where he recorded career-high regular season totals of 49 receptions, 493 yards, and five touchdowns across 16 games.

Uzomah added 15 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown in the 2021 postseason, returning to play in the Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams despite suffering a knee injury in the AFC Championship Game.

Following his tenure in Cincinnati, Uzomah signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the New York Jets in 2022, where he caught 29 passes over two seasons before being released in March 2024.

He played seven games for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, earning a championship ring when the team won Super Bowl LIX. Uzomah did not play during the 2025 season before making his retirement official.

Uzomah reflected on his career and extended his gratitude to the city where his professional journey began.

"History has a way of repeating itself and there's no place I'd want to formally announce my retirement, than the place that started it all for me and gave me my chance," said C.J. Uzomah, former NFL tight end.

The veteran tight end highlighted the significance of the franchise's postseason breakthrough during his tenure.

"The place where we won a playoff game for the first time since before I was born, and went on an odds defying run to the Super Bowl," said Uzomah.

Uzomah concluded his statement by acknowledging the personal connections he built throughout his time in the organization.

"A place I've met people who have become like brothers to me," said Uzomah. "Cincinnati, thank you for everything."

Over his 10-year NFL career, Uzomah appeared in 113 total games, accumulating 192 receptions for 1,881 yards and 16 touchdown catches.