By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-16 13:11:08 | Updated at 2026-08-16 13:22:14
31 minutes ago
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Ceyair Wright has chosen to leave the team to pursue an acting career just weeks before the NFL season begins.
The rookie signed with the Bengals after going undrafted and probably faced an uphill battle to make their final 53-man roster.
According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, Wright has put his football career on hold because he's been 'offered a lead role in a big movie that he couldn't pass up'.
Wilson added that filming is expected to finish towards the end of October and he will then be available to sign with an NFL team if he's wanted.
The Bengals acted decisively and signed Matthew McDoom, a fellow undrafted rookie out of the University of Cincinnati, as Wright's replacement.
Wright has already appeared in a number of movies, including 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' in which he played LeBron James' son, Darius.
Bengals cornerback Ceyair Wright has chosen to leave the team to pursue an acting career
Wright appeared in 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' in which he played LeBron James' son, Darius
Other acting credits for Wright include roles in '2 Broke Girls' and 'Training Day.'
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said of Wright on Saturday: 'I know it was a difficult decision for him.
'I think two of the things he was really passionate about were colliding, and he decided to pursue this opportunity.'
Wright has been balancing his acting and football interests since high school. He first played for USC in college before spending two years at Nebraska.
