duties in week 12 vs. the Chargers and posted 60 yards on 5 returns. He added one reception on offense. He was removed from punt return duties after an early second quarter turnover vs. Denver in week 15. Uwaezuoke returned to the starting line up as punt returner at Seattle for the regular season finale, but was used sparingly. He was not used as a punt returner for the 49ers' two game playoff bid. He committed three turnovers in 54 attempts (68 touches) for the season. He forced 2 fumbles and recovered another on special teams. He caught two passes in the NFC Championship Game. Uwaezuoke appeared on the NFL leaderboard as a first year featured punt returner: NFL top ten in yards per punt return. Uwaezuoke finished the regular season as one of nine players on the 49er squad to appear on the NFL single season leaderboard: Dana Stubblefield, Chris Doleman, Gary Anderson, Steve Young, Merton Hanks, Garrison Hearst, Chuck Levy, Terry Kirby. Two of the eight players on the aforementioned list, are currently inducted into the National Football League's Hall of Fame. Uwaezuoke finished the regular season in the top 6 on the 49ers in all purpose yards: 670, and top 5 for total yards per game: 53. (12.5 games as third receiver, 3 games as kick returner, 12 games as a starting punt returner). 1998 Preseason Uwaezuoke was in the NFL top 10 and led the 49er Club in total receptions: 13. 1998 NFL regular season Uwaezuoke recorded a personal all-time best: 22.3 yards per reception through week 9. He led the 49ers in 1st down conversion percentage through week 9: 100% on passes completed. He signed with the Dolphins from waivers in week 11. He was deactivated after two games but not placed on Injured Reserve: cyst in left index finger. 1998 Off Season Uwaezuoke underwent successful cyst removal surgery on his left index finger. He was tendered a restricted free agent contract by the Dolphins: 1 year, $420,000. He became an unrestricted free agent in April 1999. He visited Atlanta, Carolina, and Philadelphia and received three contract offers. He signed a one-year contract as free agent with Carolina but received no signing bonus. 1999 regular season Uwaezuoke appeared in 10 games with the Detroit Lions. He split time as a punt returner (as game assurance due to previous hand injuries). He led the Lions in