Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones continued to demonstrate his exceptional talent as a return specialist by scoring a 98-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff against the Chicago Bears on November 2, 2025. This impressive play marks his third consecutive season with a return touchdown, further solidifying his reputation in the National Football League (NFL).
Jones, a fourth-round draft pick from Purdue University, first made headlines in his rookie season in 2023 when he returned a punt for an 81-yard touchdown in a close 27-24 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The following season, he showcased his abilities once more by returning a kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown during a 21-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns. His latest achievement against the Bears not only adds to his personal accolades but also highlights his critical role in the Bengals’ special teams.
As noted by Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, before this weekend’s game, only one kickoff-return touchdown had been recorded in the current season. With this latest score, Jones has now achieved two kickoff-return touchdowns in his three-year career, making him the only player with multiple such touchdowns during this span, according to ESPN Research.
Fans of the Bengals have come to appreciate Jones not just for his speed and agility, but for his potential to change the momentum of a game. The celebration that followed his touchdown against the Bears was a testament to the excitement he brings to the field. The Bengals’ official Twitter account shared the moment with the caption, “CHUCK SIZZLE TO THE HOUSE,” showcasing the electrifying nature of his play.
While Jones excels as a return specialist, his role as a wide receiver has been more limited. Since joining the Bengals, he has recorded just eight receptions for a total of 69 yards, with no touchdown catches to his name. With established stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins commanding the spotlight, Jones has not been required to take on a larger receiving role. Before the game against the Bears, he had yet to register a reception this season.
Despite the challenges of becoming a primary wideout in a competitive roster, Jones’s prowess in return situations has set him apart. His ability to score touchdowns on special teams highlights a crucial aspect of the game that often goes unnoticed yet can be pivotal in determining the outcome of matches.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching Jones closely, not only to see if he can add more return touchdowns to his impressive tally but also to gauge his development as a versatile player in one of the league’s most dynamic offenses. Even if he may not become a star wide receiver, his knack for finding the end zone on special teams ensures that he will leave a lasting impact in the NFL.
