Former Wisconsin standout linebacker Maema Njongmeta recorded his first NFL highlight reel in the Cincinnati Bengals’ 27-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday.

The moment came in one of the most miraculous situations of the 2024 NFL season so far. Exactly two minutes before the end of the fourth quarter, the Bengals were tied at the 29-yard line for 20 minutes and lined up to punt.

As soon as punter Ryan Rehkow fired the long snap, Cowboys special teamer Nick Vigil forced his way through the Cincinnati offensive line and blocked the punt. The ball bounced hard toward Cowboys territory a few times and bounced off a Dallas player before Njongmeta, who was tracking the ball the entire time, snatched it at the Bengals’ 43-yard line.

The recovery gave the Bengals another chance to win the game. Joe Burrow and the offense capitalized on a 40-yard touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase to secure the 27-20 victory.

Njongmeta hasn’t seen much action this season, but he’s certainly made the most of it. He may have missed the block against Vigil on the first punt, but he didn’t give up.

That same mentality secured the UW alumnus a spot on the Bengals’ 53-man roster in late August. In three preseason games, the two-year starter at Wisconsin totaled 29 tackles, 18 solo tackles, two pass deflections and respectable special teams play to earn promotion to the 53-man roster.

Since then, Njongmeta has recorded a total of eight tackles and five solo tackles in twelve games for Zac Taylor’s team. He spends most of his time on special teams assignments.

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 chances could grow after the peak.

The story originally appeared on Badgers Wire