As the Cincinnati Bengals head into a crucial Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, they will need all the help they can get from the home crowd.
What seemed like an elite defense was exposed by one of the league's worst offenses in a Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the cracks of the defense being exploited on film and a testing of the defensive depth in the secondary imminent, home-field advantage will be critical if the Bengals want to slow down a Jaguars offense that has proven to be among the NFL's elite.
In order to facilitate that home-field advantage, the Bengals have selected former tight end C.J. Uzomah to be the Ruler of the Jungle.
Former Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah is a polarizing choice for Ruler of the Jungle
Traditionally, the Bengals have selected fan-favorite former players or beloved celebrities to be the Ruler of the Jungle. Arguably the best tackle in NFL history, Anthony Muñoz, and former wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson are examples of former suitors for the role.
Uzomah's pivotal role in the 24-21 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football, which was seen as a turning point in the 2021 season, likely played a role in his selection as the Ruler of the Jungle. He had five receptions for 95 yards, and the two receiving touchdowns were the only receiving touchdowns by any Bengals player in the game.
He also had a clutch reception to put the Bengals in range to kick the game-winning field goal. This was Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's famous "can't zero me" Mic'd-Up moment.
Welcome back to Rule The Jungle, C.J. pic.twitter.com/KeZ2U6mu4y
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 29, 2026
Uzomah was a crucial part of the Bengals team during their Super Bowl run in 2021, but comments made about the organization after he left to play for the New York Jets have pushed Uzomah far away from being a fan favorite.
During an appearance on the Bussin' with the Boys podcast after leaving the Bengals, Uzomah did not have nice things to say about the organization and their.
"I don't know what more they did, but at the time that I went... like, the cafeteria was in the basketball gym, and they would just set up tables," Uzomah said. "...Everyone knows, like, they're going to have some problems retaining Joey B back there."
Since announcing his retirement and making the decision to retire as a Bengal, Uzomah's tone has changed. He explained in an article from Yahoo Sports that he will be a Bengals fan for life.
"I have orange and black in my veins … I'm a Bengals fan, and I will be for life. For me right now, this is a place that's close to home, (so) why not? Truthfully, even when I left, I was like, I want to end my career in Cincinnati," Uzomah said. "The timing worked out well with Cincinnati, and it was just time."
While it seems as if many fans haven't forgiven him for what he said about the organization, the internet is often not a reflection of reality. His reception in front of the home crowd on Sunday will tell whether Uzomah is welcomed back by the Bengals faithful.
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