CINCINNATI (AP) — Dohnte Meyers, a wide receiver who spent last season trying to establish himself in the Canadian Football League (CFL), has made a significant leap by earning a spot on the Cincinnati Bengals' 53-man roster as the NFL regular season approaches.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor praised Meyers for his determination and performance throughout training camp, stating, “He has earned his way, that is for sure. He just continued to make plays over and over again. We weren’t dialing stuff up for him. That is how you make it, really. When the opportunity comes your way, you have to make the most of it.”
Meyers began his football journey at Presbyterian College, where he received an academic scholarship. After showcasing his talent at the FCS level, he transferred to Delta State University, a Division II institution. His performance there was strong enough to earn him an invitation to the Atlanta Falcons' rookie camp in 2023, but he struggled to secure a lasting opportunity in the NFL. Undeterred, he sought out every possible workout across various leagues.
In a bold move, Meyers financed his own workouts in the CFL, determined to seize any chance that came his way. “I wanted to do any opportunity available for me and let the chips fall where they may,” he reflected. His persistence paid off when he had a breakout season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2025, recording 65 receptions for 1,056 yards and eight touchdowns, helping the team secure the Grey Cup title.
After signing with the Bengals in January, Meyers started offseason workouts at the bottom of the wide receiver depth chart. However, his relentless work ethic and ability to make plays caught the attention of the coaching staff. Taylor noted, “He has shown with the ball in his hands he can be really good. He can create separation and he has a good feel. I have been really pleased with the camp he has had, and we will just continue to figure out how that works into our game plan as we go forward.”
Despite his success, Meyers does not view himself as a rookie. His two years of professional experience in the CFL have equipped him with a unique perspective on the game. “It’s something I’m accustomed to, being a pro for two years,” he stated. “How we do things here is different. There’s a different level of preparation and intent.”
As cutdown day approached, Meyers faced the anxiety of potentially being released. He received the good news of making the team during a phone call with receivers coach Troy Walters. “I was trying to just stay grounded,” Meyers said. “I was trying to relax. Not get too anxious. Be present and take in every moment.”
Now that he has secured his place on the team, Meyers is focused on proving that he is ready for an expanded role within the Bengals' potent receiving corps. Taylor mentioned that the coaching staff will explore ways to utilize Meyers in both the return game and as a receiver, acknowledging the competitive nature of the lineup he is trying to break into.
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