NFL rookie leaves team to pursue acting opportunity
The Cincinnati Bengals signed defensive back Ceyair Wright as an undrafted free agent in April after he played college football at Nebraska.
Wright’s passion for football appeared to collide with a different career off the field – acting. The Bengals announced that Wright had left the team “to pursue other opportunities” and was placed on the Exempt/Left Squad.
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Ceyair Wright #1 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers is in action during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium in College Park, Md., on Oct. 11, 2025. (Diamond Images/Getty Images)
Dan Hoard, the radio voice of the Bengals, wrote on X that Wright left the team to pursue television and film opportunities. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor reacted to Wright’s departure.
“I don’t know how to properly define it for him. He called us last night and let us know that he had an opportunity,” Taylor said. “I know it was a difficult decision for him. I think two things he’s really passionate about were colliding and he decided to pursue this opportunity. So, he’s a great kid, comes from a great university.
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Ceyair Wright No. 1 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers stands on the field before a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 4, 2025, in Lincoln, Neb. (Getty Images)
“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.”
Wright has acting credits to his name.
He played LeBron James’ son in the movie “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” IMDb also credits Wright for a role in “Training Day.” He also made appearances in the television sit-coms “Grown-ish” and “2 Broke Girls.”

Ceyair Wright and John Legend attend the “Space Jam: A New Legacy” film premiere at Regal LA Live & 4DX on July 12, 2021, in Los Angeles, Calif. (Penske Media via Getty Images)
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The Bengals signed Matthew McDoom as a replacement for Wright.