Dae’Quan Wright, a former tight end for Ole Miss and the Cleveland Browns, announced his intention yesterday to return to college football and play for Louisiana State University. If the 22-year-old joins the Tigers’ roster, he would be the first NFL player to return to the college game after playing professionally.
Wright was waived by Cleveland yesterday. His potential return to college is possible because he, along with other players from the high school Class of 2022, was granted a fifth year of eligibility through a judge’s ruling in Louisiana last week. This ruling, however, faces a federal court ruling won by the NCAA that would pause eligibility for the 2022 class. The move also conflicts with existing NCAA and SEC regulations, though attorneys believe these issues can be resolved through the court system.
The situation highlights a unique aspect of the current football landscape, where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offers can sometimes exceed NFL rookie contracts. Wright is part of a select group from the Class of 2022 eligible for this specific pathway back to college play, meaning this option is not broadly available to other players under the current rules.
In other sports news, Enes Kanter Freedom was ejected from a WNBA game yesterday between the Sky and the Fever after a confrontation with Chicago guard Natasha Cloud. Freedom, a former NBA player and activist, has expressed intentions to play in the WNBA and has engaged in discussions surrounding transgender women in sports. No transgender women currently play in the WNBA.
The Cleveland Browns are also expected to announce their starting quarterback today. The decision involves Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and coach Todd Monken.
