NFL rookie Ceyair Wright is hanging up his cleats to pursue a career in Hollywood.
The 23-year-old cornerback left the Cincinnati Bengals’ training camp on Aug. 15 after telling the team he had an opportunity to pursue television and film work, according to Bengals radio broadcaster Dan Hoard and coach Zac Taylor.
Heading to Hollywood
Wright signed a three-year undrafted free agent contract with the Bengals, with the potential to earn $3,115,000. The deal included a $15,000 signing bonus and $15,000 in total guaranteed money, with an average annual salary of $1,038,333.
Taylor said Wright called the team the night before to explain his decision.
“I know it was a difficult decision for him,” Taylor told reporters recently. “I think two things he’s really passionate about were colliding and he decided to pursue this opportunity.”
Wright, an undrafted free agent, joined the Bengals earlier this year as a long shot to make the team after playing college football at USC and Nebraska. He was replaced on the roster by rookie cornerback Matthew McDoom, Hoard reported.
But Wright also has a history in Hollywood. He played LeBron James’ son in the 2021 film “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and has appeared in “American Skin and Grown-ish.”
Wright began acting as a child after appearing in a Tide commercial at age 7. He later told People Magazine that he landed his role in “Space Jam: A New Legacy” after learning the production was holding auditions.
Wright initially was told he was too old for one of the roles, but a casting director later asked whether he played basketball. Wright said he told her he did, despite acknowledging that he had not played varsity basketball in high school.
Two days later, he received an audition for the role of the older brother.
Taylor said Wright’s decision came as the two interests in his life collided.
“He’s a great kid, comes from a great university,” Taylor said.