Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones continued to demonstrate his special teams prowess by scoring a return touchdown in the team’s recent home game against the Chicago Bears. Jones, who has made a name for himself as a return specialist, took the opening kickoff 98 yards from the Bengals’ 2-yard line into the end zone, marking his second kickoff-return touchdown in three NFL seasons.
This latest feat adds to Jones’s impressive track record as he has returned a punt or kickoff for a touchdown each year since entering the league in 2023. In his rookie season, he returned a punt for an 81-yard touchdown during a 27-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The following year, he recorded a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown in a 21-14 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Jones’s impact on the field has not gone unnoticed. According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, prior to Sunday’s game, the NFL had recorded only one kickoff-return touchdown this season. With his latest score, Jones now stands out as the only player to have multiple kickoff-return touchdowns since joining the league, as confirmed by ESPN Research.
Jones’s Journey from College to the NFL
Before making his mark in the NFL, Jones showcased his talents during his six-year college career, playing for Iowa and Buffalo before achieving significant success at Purdue University. In 2022, he set the school record for receiving yards in a season with 1,361 yards, establishing himself as a standout player.
Despite his achievements, Jones has primarily operated as a return specialist for the Bengals, a role that has been influenced by the team’s depth at wide receiver. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins among the best in the league, Jones has not been called upon to take on a larger receiving role. Over three seasons, he has recorded just eight receptions for 69 yards without any touchdown catches. Notably, he entered Sunday’s game without any receptions this season.
Looking Ahead
While it remains uncertain whether Jones will transition into a star wideout, his ability to score on kickoff returns has already set him apart from many players in the league. With two return touchdowns to his name, he clearly has the knack for making game-changing plays. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Jones continues to contribute to the Bengals as the season progresses.
