- May 21, 2026
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For most football players who make it to the NFL, football is without question their best professional move.
For Bengals cornerback Ceyair Wright, he had another option. And he chose to take it.
The team announced that Wright has left the Bengals to "pursue other opportunities." It's reportedly an acting role.
It's a rare move for a pro football player to not play pro football, but Wright had an offer he couldn't refuse.
"I don't know how to properly define it for him," coach Zac Taylor told reporters on Saturday. "He called us last night and let us know that he had an opportunity. 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. And, you know, 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 appeared in Space Jam: A New Legacy in 2021. He has several other acting credits.
The Bengals still hold his rights, if/when he chooses to return. As an undrafted free agent from Nebraska on the 90-man roster, however, it's hardly a given that the Bengals will find a spot for him on the 53-man roster if/when he comes back.
Really, the decision was difficult only if Wright knew he'd make the team. He had a separate bird in the hand. As to the Bengals, there was no guarantee he'd be employed beyond August 30, the day for cutting 37 players.
For Bengals cornerback Ceyair Wright, he had another option. And he chose to take it.
The team announced that Wright has left the Bengals to "pursue other opportunities." It's reportedly an acting role.
It's a rare move for a pro football player to not play pro football, but Wright had an offer he couldn't refuse.
"I don't know how to properly define it for him," coach Zac Taylor told reporters on Saturday. "He called us last night and let us know that he had an opportunity. 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. And, you know, 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 appeared in Space Jam: A New Legacy in 2021. He has several other acting credits.
The Bengals still hold his rights, if/when he chooses to return. As an undrafted free agent from Nebraska on the 90-man roster, however, it's hardly a given that the Bengals will find a spot for him on the 53-man roster if/when he comes back.
Really, the decision was difficult only if Wright knew he'd make the team. He had a separate bird in the hand. As to the Bengals, there was no guarantee he'd be employed beyond August 30, the day for cutting 37 players.