One of Cincinnati‘s cornerback signings just traded the practice field for a movie set. The Bengals confirmed Saturday that rookie cornerback Ceyair Wright has left the team to pursue an acting opportunity, a move that comes just days after his first career NFL preseason snaps.

“Bengals announce rookie CB Ceyair Wright has left the team to pursue other opportunities,” The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. reported on X. “Remember, Wright previously had an acting career and was LeBron James’ son in Space Jam [A New Legacy].”

Cincinnati placed Wright on the Exempt/Left Squad list. That means he does not count against the Bengals’ 90-man roster while he is away. KPRC 2 Houston’s Aaron Wilson explained why:

Wright was offered a lead role in a major film production, which is expected to wrap up filming in late October. Wilson made clear this isn’t a retirement; Wright is “not giving up football” and remains available to return once filming ends.

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Ceyair Wright’s Hollywood career actually predates his football career by years. The Los Angeles native began modeling at age 5 and started doing commercials by 9, according to the Los Angeles Times. This was long before football took him to USC as a four-star recruit out of Loyola High School. His acting credits stretch beyond Space Jam too, including roles in “Training Day,” “2 Broke Girls,” and “Grown-ish.”

King James himself praised his on-screen son for balancing both worlds.

“I think more important than anything, he’s just a great kid,” James said after a Lakers-Grizzlies game in 2021. “You know, being on set with him and having great conversations about not only acting but also family and sports and things of that nature. … And then to see him do the things that he’s been doing in the acting world as well… he’s more than an athlete or more than an actor.”

He signed with Cincinnati as an undrafted free agent following this year’s draft. He got his first taste of the NFL in the preseason clash vs the Lions, logging 38 defensive snaps and four special teams snaps in Cincinnati’s 16-14 win over Detroit.

Wright spent his first three college seasons at USC before transferring to Nebraska for his final two years. He came to Cincinnati with 109 total tackles, three interceptions and 16 passes defended. He also earned an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2025.

Cincinnati also acted quickly with Ceyair Wright’s exit. The team filled the opening by signing Matthew McDoom, who originally signed with Baltimore in May before being waived on August 8. McDoom played at Coastal Carolina before transferring to Cincinnati for the 2025 season. Per Fox 19, he was known as the fastest player on the Bearcats’ roster.

For Wright, though, the football story is not necessarily over. He is stepping away from the Bengals at an unusual point in his rookie season. But the current reporting points toward a return once his Hollywood commitment is complete.