It’s not usually particularly noteworthy when an undrafted rookie leaves an NFL team during preseason. But Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Ceyair Wright’s reason seems to be far from typical.
Wright is leaving the team to reportedly further his acting career.
“Two things he’s really passionate about were colliding, and he decided to pursue this opportunity,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Saturday. “We wish him the best. He was fun to be around, he really competed hard for us. It was fun watching him play. I thought he was ascending as a player, but obviously he’s chosen to go a different path.”
The switch isn’t a spur-of-the-moment change for Wright. In addition to being a former top-200 recruit who finished his collegiate career with 109 total tackles and three interceptions, the former USC and Nebraska defensive back has built an acting résumé away from the field over the years as well.
Wright has appeared in seven films and television shows dating to 2014 -- including, most notably to sports fans, a role as LeBron James’ son in “Space Jam: A New Legacy” (2021).
What’s next for Wright in his acting career remains publicly unknown. But he won’t be the first former gridiron staple to transition from football to film.