Cincinnati Bengals rookie cornerback Ceyair Wright has chosen to leave the team just weeks before the new NFL season to pursue an acting career.
According to NFL reporter Aaron Wilson, Wright put his football career on hold after receiving an offer for a lead role in a big movie that he could not pass up.
Wilson reported that filming is expected to finish towards the end of October. Once production concludes, Wright will be available to sign with an NFL team if a franchise chooses to bring him in.
The Bengals acted decisively following his decision by signing Matthew McDoom, an undrafted rookie cornerback out of the University of Cincinnati, as Wright's replacement on the roster.
Acting career and Hollywood roles
Wright initially signed with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent following the NFL draft and faced a challenging path to secure a spot on the team's final 53-man roster for the upcoming season. All 32 NFL franchises are required to cut their training camp rosters down to 53 players ahead of the regular season.
Away from the gridiron, Wright has already accumulated several prominent acting credits. He appeared in the feature film Space Jam: A New Legacy, playing Darius, the son of basketball star LeBron James.
His additional acting work includes roles in television series such as 2 Broke Girls and the drama Training Day. Wright has balanced his dual interests in acting and football since his high school days.
Collegiate background and coaching reaction
Before entering the professional ranks, Wright began his college football career at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, before transferring to play two seasons at the University of Nebraska.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor addressed Wright's sudden exit on Saturday, offering support for the young cornerback's decision.
"I know it was a difficult decision for him," Taylor said. "I think two of the things he was really passionate about were colliding, and he decided to pursue this opportunity."
