5 NY Jets players who could steal the show on 'Hard Knocks'
By Justin Fried
![NY Jets, Aaron Rodgers, C.J. Uzomah NY Jets, Aaron Rodgers, C.J. Uzomah](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3000,h_1687,x_0,y_156/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/30/01h55fx280sn3fg0d99r.jpg)
4. Ron Middleton, TEs coach, NY Jets
Yes, Ron Middleton isn't a player, but he still belongs on this list. While the likes of head coach Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and others will garner plenty of headlines, Middleton might be the true breakout star from the show.
Jets fans should already be pretty familiar with Middleton. The team rallied around him when he was thrust into a temporary head coaching position after Robert Saleh tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Week 16 in 2021.
Middleton also served as the head coach for the National Team at the 2022 Senior Bowl. He's someone who has not only maximized his opportunities from a professional standpoint but he's also maximized his minutes in front of the camera.
The biggest star of Hard Knocks this summer is going to be #Jets TE coach Ron Middleton and I can’t freaking wait!
— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) July 12, 2023
cc: @cj_uzomah | @T_Conk1 | @Jeremy_Ruckert1pic.twitter.com/0JozMevOYL
Players and fans alike can't help but be drawn to Middleton's infectious energy. He's an early dark horse to steal the show this summer.
3. C.J. Uzomah, TE, NY Jets
Speaking of tight ends, C.J. Uzomah absolutely deserves a shoutout as well. You can't talk about colorful personalities in the Jets' locker room without mentioning Uzomah's name.
The former Cincinnati Bengals tight end thrives in front of a camera. Anyone who keeps up with the Jets' social media channels has undoubtedly seen countless instances of Uzomah's compelling charisma shine through when given a live microphone.
Uzomah has already broken into the mainstream a little this offseason, traveling with Aaron Rodgers to the Tony Awards last month. In fact, Uzomah co-produced the Jordan E. Cooper comedy on Broadway, Ain't No Mo'. He dabbles in the performing arts.
While he may not be the most notable player on the team, Uzomah's personality and charm should be enough to win many fans over. He's going to steal some scenes.