Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Ceyair Wright has decided to leave the team to pursue an acting career, foregoing his NFL prospects just weeks before the season begins. Wright, who signed with the Bengals after going undrafted, was facing a challenge to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster.
According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, Wright was offered a lead role in a major film that he felt he could not decline. Filming is anticipated to conclude in late October, after which Wright would be available to sign with an NFL team should one express interest.
The Bengals have already signed Matthew McDoom, an undrafted rookie from the University of Cincinnati, to fill the vacancy left by Wright.
Wright has prior acting experience, having appeared in "Space Jam: A New Legacy" where he portrayed Darius, the son of LeBron James. His other acting credits include roles in television series such as "2 Broke Girls" and "Training Day."
Bengals coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the difficulty of Wright's decision, stating that two of the player's passions had converged, leading him to pursue the film opportunity. Wright had been balancing his interests in acting and football since high school, having played college football for USC before transferring to Nebraska for two years.