Bengals' Ossai Pens Heartfelt Farewell After Jets Payday

The defensive end thanks Cincinnati fans, teammates, and organization after signing a 3-year, $36 million deal with the New York Jets.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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After agreeing to a three-year, $36 million contract with the New York Jets, former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai penned a heartfelt farewell letter to the team, fans, and city. Ossai, who was drafted by the Bengals in the third round in 2021, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill his NFL dreams in Cincinnati and said the team and city will always hold a special place in his heart.

Why it matters

Ossai's departure marks the end of his five-year tenure with the Bengals, during which he became a regular contributor on defense and recorded 14.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. His letter highlights the strong bonds he formed with his teammates and the organization, underscoring the human side of professional sports transactions.

The details

In the letter posted on X, Ossai thanked the entire Bengals roster, the Brown family ownership, and the city of Cincinnati for welcoming him with open arms. He said the ups and downs he experienced with the team taught him valuable lessons about perseverance and growth that he will carry with him to the Jets.

  • Ossai was drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
  • He suffered a season-ending knee injury during the 2021 preseason but returned in 2022 to become a regular contributor.
  • Ossai agreed to a three-year, $36 million free-agent contract with the New York Jets on March 11, 2026.

The players

Joseph Ossai

A former third-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals who spent five seasons with the team before signing a lucrative free-agent deal with the New York Jets.

The Brown Family

The owners of the Cincinnati Bengals organization that gave Ossai the opportunity to fulfill his NFL dreams.

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What they’re saying

“These past five years have been incredible, to say the least. In my time here, I've met and made friends—or dare I say, family for life. There are too many people to thank and not enough time, but I'll do my best.”

— Joseph Ossai (X)

“Through the ups and downs of this game, we always found a way to bunker down and grow, and that's something I will take with me everywhere I go. Thank you to the Brown family for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams and be a part of something phenomenal. And last but not least, thank you to the city of Cincinnati for welcoming me with open arms.”

— Joseph Ossai (X)

What’s next

Ossai will now begin a new chapter with the New York Jets, where he will look to build on the success he found in Cincinnati.

The takeaway

Ossai's heartfelt farewell letter to the Bengals organization and city of Cincinnati underscores the strong bonds that can form between players and their teams, even in the high-stakes world of professional sports. His message of gratitude and the lessons he learned in Cincinnati will likely resonate with fans and serve as an example of the human side of the business.