Bengals cornerback Ceyair Wright leaves team for film role

Ceyair Wright, a cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals, has departed from the team to pursue a lead role in a movie, as announced by the team on August 15, 2026. Wright informed Bengals head coach Zac Taylor of his decision a day prior. Known for his role in 'Space Jam: A New Legacy,' where he played LeBron James' son, Bronny James, Wright had been balancing his acting and football ambitions throughout his athletic career. Cincinnati has replaced him with fellow cornerback Matthew McDoom, a former undrafted rookie from the University of Cincinnati. This decision comes amid the challenges faced by undrafted rookies in securing a spot on the team's 53-man roster.

• 10:02 PMCBS NFL — NFL rookie leaves team during preseason to pursue lead role in movie