Young Bengals Player Takes Temporary Leave from NFL for Hollywood Role
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Kear Wright steps away from football to star in a major Hollywood film, planning to return by late October.

Taking a Break from the NFL for a Film Career Kear Wright, the young cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals, is making an unusual move in his career by deciding to take a break from professional football to star in a major Hollywood movie. This decision came after he received an irresistible acting opportunity, which the Bengals’ coaching staff officially announced last Saturday.
The 23-year-old Wright is embarking on a new path that will keep him off NFL fields until filming wraps up at the end of October. However, the team’s official statement emphasized that this is only a temporary leave, and Wright intends to return to the squad and play in the current season immediately after filming concludes. During this period, Wright will be placed on the reserve list and will not be included in the team’s 90-man roster.
A Rich Background in Entertainment Wright’s decision to temporarily step away from football isn’t surprising given his long history in the entertainment world. He began his entertainment journey as a child, modeling at age five and appearing in commercials from age nine. Before entering the NFL, Wright played college football at USC and Nebraska while continuing to pursue TV and film roles.
One of his notable roles was in "Space Jam: A New Legacy," where he portrayed Darius James, the eldest son of LeBron James’s character. Additionally, Wright appeared in TV series such as "2 Broke Girls," "Training Day," "Life in Pieces," and "Instant Mom." He also had a recurring role on the show "Grown-ish."
What This Means for the Bengals and the Current Season Wright’s absence from the Cincinnati Bengals’ roster presents a challenge for the team, especially considering he is a young player at the start of his NFL career. The Bengals, currently competing in a tough season, will have to manage a temporary gap in depth at the cornerback position. Still, Wright’s expected return by late October gives the team hope for bolstering their lineup as the season progresses.
The team has referred to Wright as a major prospect and even nicknamed him "the real Hollywood Bengal" in a special video for their rookie minicamp. Wright’s unique blend of sports and entertainment careers makes him an extraordinary example of a modern athlete balancing two demanding fields.
In summary, Kear Wright stands out in the NFL as a player successfully juggling a promising football career alongside significant Hollywood roles. His future looks bright in both arenas, and all eyes from the sports and entertainment worlds will be on him in the coming months, possibly watching him return to the gridiron after his cinematic adventure.