C.J. Uzomah Bio
Christopher James Uzomah, known professionally as C.J. Uzomah, is an American professional football tight end. Born on January 14, 1993, in Suwanee, Georgia, Uzomah rose from a high school quarterback to a multi-year NFL starter. He played college football at Auburn University, where he earned Second-team All-SEC recognition in 2013. Uzomah was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft and has since played for the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2025, he won a Super Bowl championship as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Early Life and Background
C.J. Uzomah was born on January 14, 1993, in Suwanee, Georgia. He is the son of Xavier Uzomah and Stephanie Uzomah. His father, Xavier, earned a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University, and his mother, Stephanie, holds a doctorate in education. Uzomah is of Nigerian descent, and his family’s strong educational background has been a guiding influence throughout his life.
Uzomah attended North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, where he played quarterback. During his senior season, he threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns, rushed for 74 yards, and added 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, showing the dual-threat ability that would later shape his football career. His performance in high school helped him secure a scholarship to play college football at Auburn University.
Path to Professional Football
At Auburn, Uzomah played as a tight end, transitioning from his high school role as a quarterback. He majored in Marketing during his time at the university. In his four seasons at Auburn, Uzomah caught 29 passes, seven of which were for touchdowns, and was recognized as a strong blocking tight end. In 2013, he was named Second-team All-SEC for his contributions to the Tigers’ offense.
Following the 2014 college season, Uzomah participated in two postseason all-star games: the 2015 Medal of Honor Bowl and the 2014 Senior Bowl. He was not invited to the NFL Combine but performed all drills at Auburn’s pro day on March 3, 2015. NFLDraftScout.com ranked him as the 12th best tight end prospect in the 2015 draft, and he was projected as a sixth or seventh round selection or a possible priority free agent.
C.J. Uzomah Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
The Cincinnati Bengals selected C.J. Uzomah in the fifth round, 157th overall, of the 2015 NFL draft. He was the seventh tight end taken in the draft and signed a four-year, $2.49 million contract with a $212,762 signing bonus. Uzomah made his professional regular season debut on December 6, 2015, and recorded his first career reception for four yards in a 37–3 victory over the Cleveland Browns. He finished his rookie year with one reception for four yards in five games.
In 2016, Uzomah earned the starting tight end role after injuries to Tyler Eifert and Tyler Kroft. He started ten games and recorded 25 receptions for 234 yards and one touchdown, scoring his first career touchdown on a one-yard pass from Andy Dalton in a 27–10 win over the Baltimore Ravens. His development as both a blocker and receiver became a key part of the Bengals’ offensive plans.
Cincinnati Bengals Breakthrough (2017–2021)
Uzomah continued to grow within the Bengals’ offense, playing in ten games in 2017 and recording ten receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown. In 2018, he set a new career high with 43 receptions for 439 yards and three touchdowns while starting 15 of 16 games. The Bengals rewarded his performance with a three-year, $18 million contract extension on March 11, 2019.
The 2020 season was cut short when Uzomah tore his Achilles tendon in the second game against the Cleveland Browns, a game in which he caught Joe Burrow’s first career passing touchdown. He returned healthy in 2021 and set new career highs with 49 receptions, 493 receiving yards, and five touchdowns, starting all 16 games. Uzomah also contributed in the postseason, catching six passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in the Wild Card win over the Las Vegas Raiders and adding two receptions for 11 yards in Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams.
New York Jets Era (2022–2023)
On March 17, 2022, C.J. Uzomah signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the New York Jets. In his first season with the team, he appeared in 15 games and recorded 21 receptions for 232 receiving yards and two touchdowns, both of which came in Week 15 against the Detroit Lions. His size and experience made him a valuable target in the Jets’ passing game.
Uzomah’s second season in New York was interrupted by injury. On December 6, 2023, he was placed on injured reserve after suffering an MCL injury in Week 13, ending his year prematurely. The Jets released him on March 5, 2024, ending his time with the franchise after two seasons.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2024–Present)
On April 11, 2024, C.J. Uzomah signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released by the team on August 21, 2024, before the regular season began but re-signed with the practice squad on October 10. Uzomah was promoted to the active roster on December 4 and placed on injured reserve on January 30, 2025.
Despite the injury, Uzomah was part of the Eagles roster when the team won Super Bowl LIX, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22. The victory marked the first Super Bowl championship of his professional career and added a major milestone to his resume.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of C.J. Uzomah’s career came in Super Bowl LIX, when he helped the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 to win the championship. Earlier, he appeared in Super Bowl LVI with the Cincinnati Bengals, recording two receptions in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams. His career also includes scoring the first touchdown caught from Joe Burrow and setting multiple career-high receiving statistics during the 2021 season with the Bengals.
C.J. Uzomah Career Wins
C.J. Uzomah has earned a collection of achievements throughout his football career. As a college player, he was named Second-team All-SEC in 2013 while at Auburn. In the NFL, his greatest team accomplishment came when the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX, giving Uzomah a Super Bowl championship. He has also been part of winning playoff teams with the Cincinnati Bengals, including a Wild Card victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.
Team Championship Highlights
Uzomah’s most significant team win came with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, capping a championship season. During his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, he played a role in the team’s run to Super Bowl LVI after the 2021 season, including a Wild Card win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The Bengals finished atop the AFC North in 2015 with a 12–4 record during Uzomah’s rookie year.
C.J. Uzomah Family
Family Background and Education
C.J. Uzomah was raised in Suwanee, Georgia, by his parents, Xavier Uzomah and Stephanie Uzomah. His father, Xavier, earned a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University, the same school where C.J. would later play college football. His mother, Stephanie, holds a doctorate in education, reflecting the family’s strong academic foundation. Uzomah is of Nigerian descent, and his parents’ commitment to higher education has been a central part of his upbringing.
Personal Life
Uzomah’s personal life has been shaped largely by the values of his family, with both parents holding advanced degrees and emphasizing education. While details of his personal relationships are not widely publicized, his connection to his Nigerian heritage and the example set by his parents remain a meaningful part of his identity off the field.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with a major milestone for C.J. Uzomah, as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 in Super Bowl LIX to win the championship. Uzomah was part of the Eagles’ active roster during the playoff run after being promoted from the practice squad in December 2024. He was later placed on injured reserve on January 30, 2025, but remained with the team as a Super Bowl champion.
Looking ahead, Uzomah’s role with the Eagles and his recovery from injury will be key storylines to follow. His veteran experience and blocking ability continue to add value to the tight end room in Philadelphia. As the Eagles prepare for the next phase of their championship window, Uzomah’s presence in the locker room provides leadership and continuity.