Bengals CB Trades Cleats for Camera

Cincinnati Bengals rookie cornerback Ceyair Wright has temporarily left the team to pursue a significant acting role. He was placed on the Exempt/Left Squad list by the Bengals after informing them of his decision.

Wright has reportedly been offered a lead role in a major film, a decision he described as difficult but one he couldn't pass up. Filming for this opportunity is slated to continue through late October.

Despite this detour into Hollywood, Wright has not abandoned his NFL aspirations. He plans to make himself available for the league once filming is complete later this year.

This move marks a notable chapter for Wright, who has a history in acting, dating back to his childhood. He notably appeared in "Space Jam: A New Legacy" in 2021, portraying the older son of LeBron James, a role he filmed in 2019 while still in high school.

Wright's journey to the NFL involved playing college football for USC and Nebraska before signing with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in May. He has previously expressed a desire to balance both his acting and football passions, a balance that now seems to be materializing sooner than expected.

While Wright could potentially return to the NFL after production wraps, his return to the Bengals seems less likely based on coach Zac Taylor's past-tense remarks about his time with the team. Taylor wished Wright well, acknowledging his competitive spirit during his brief tenure.