Former Wisconsin standout linebacker Maema Njongmeta recorded his first signature NFL highlight in the Cincinnati Bengals’ 27-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday.
The moment arrived in one of the most miraculous situations of the 2024 NFL season to date. Pinned at its 29-yard line with exactly two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and tied at 20, the Bengals lined up to punt.
As soon as punter Ryan Rehkow fielded the long snap, Cowboys special teamer Nick Vigil squeezed through Cincinnati’s offensive line and blocked the punt. The ball took a few big bounces toward Cowboys territory and glanced off a Dallas player before Njongmeta, who tracked the ball the whole way through, grabbed it at the Bengals’ 43-yard line.
The recovery handed the Bengals the football with a fresh opportunity to win the game. Joe Burrow and the offensive capitalized on a 40-yard touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase, clinching the 27-20 win.
Njongmeta hasn’t seen much action this season, but he certainly made the most of it. He may have missed the block on Vigil on the initial punt, but he didn’t give up.
.@the_maema !!!!!
Watch on ESPN/Disney+pic.twitter.com/ixQfZw8ETM
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 10, 2024
This same mentality netted the UW alumnus a spot on the Bengals’ 53-man roster in late August. In three preseason games, the two-year starter at Wisconsin notched 29 total tackles, 18 solo tackles, two pass deflections and respectable special teams play to elevate to the 53-man.
Since then, Njongmeta has logged eight total tackles and five solo tackles for Zac Taylor’s team in 12 games. Most of his time comes during special teams action.
At Wisconsin, Njongmeta totaled 158 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 6 1/2 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections and three fumble recoveries during his tenure in Madison. His opportunities could grow following the highlight.