You may see Ceyair Wright on the silver screen before you see him on the football field.
The undrafted free agent cornerback has temporarily left the Bengals to "pursue other opportunities," the team announced. The opportunity in question is the lead role in a film, per KPRC2's Aaron Wilson , with filming set to end in late October.
Wright, whose resume includes a role in Space Jam: A New Legacy — where he played the older son of LeBron James — will be available to play then.
Cincinnati Bengals Ceyair Wright, left, moves in as Noah Thomas runs with the ball during the team's practice in Cincinnati, Tuesday, August 11, 2026. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
For now, he's on the Exempt/Left Squad List.
"I think two things he's really passionate about were colliding, and he decided to pursue this opportunity," Bengals coach Zac Taylor told reporters.
Wright, who played college football at USC, was open going into the draft in saying that acting may continue to be part of his life.
"When it comes to acting, who knows how that stuff will work?" he told Yahoo Sports. "One day, if it makes sense, I can look into it, or down the line after I'm done playing."
Ceyair Wright after a Nebraska game against Michigan State on Oct. 4, 2025. Getty Images
While he's not officially giving up football for this opportunity, it's hard to imagine there will be a large role waiting for him in Cincinnati given that Wright was already trying to make the team as an undrafted free agent.
Taylor seemed to acknowledge that reality, speaking about Wright in the past tense.
"We wish him the best. He was fun to be around, he really competed hard for us. It was fun watching him play," Taylor said. "But obviously he's chosen to go a different path."
