In the modern landscape of the NFL, the pathway to a 53-man roster usually winds through major FBS college programs, top-tier draft capital, and high-profile combine workouts. Every so often, however, a player emerges whose path defies all conventional football logic.
Enter Dohnte Meyers.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 186 pounds, the 26-year-old wide receiver has become one of the most compelling stories of the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2026 training camp. From an overlooked high school prospect in Georgia to delivering late-night DoorDash orders, winning a CFL championship, and capturing the attention of All-Pro receiver Ja’Marr Chase and head coach Zac Taylor, Meyers’ rise is nothing short of extraordinary.
Here is the complete story of how Dohnte Meyers turned relentless determination into a legitimate shot at the NFL.
The Long Road: From Division II to the CFL Gridiron
Dohnte Meyers was never handed an easy route in football. Coming out of Norcross High School in Duluth, Georgia, he was a zero-star recruit who relied on his intelligence and kickoff return skills to secure an opportunity at Presbyterian College (FCS).
College Journey: Presbyterian & Delta State
After two seasons at Presbyterian (2018–2019) where he totaled 54 catches for 671 yards and seven touchdowns, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 season. Meyers transferred to Delta State University, an NCAA Division II program in Cleveland, Mississippi.
At Delta State, Meyers hit his stride:
- 24 Games Played across two seasons (2021–2022).
- 120 Receptions for 1,542 Receiving Yards and 13 Touchdowns.
- Majored in criminology and social justice while working continuously on his route-running craft.
The Grind: DoorDash Shifts and a $100 Tryout
Despite his strong Division II numbers, Meyers went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. Following a brief rookie minicamp tryout with his hometown Atlanta Falcons, NFL offers dried up entirely.
Rather than giving up on his athletic dream, Meyers created a rigorous daily schedule:
- Morning & Afternoon: Elite physical conditioning, field work, and route training.
- Recovery: Dedicated physical therapy and treatment.
- Late Night (until 2:00 or 3:00 AM): Delivering DoorDash to fund his living expenses and training fees.
His breakthrough came when he invested $100 to attend an open tryout for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.
CFL Dominance: Grey Cup Champion with Saskatchewan
Meyers made the Roughriders’ roster in 2024 and quickly adjusted to the Canadian game’s motion and larger field dimensions. By 2025, he established himself as one of the premier wideouts north of the border.
| Season | League | Team | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Avg Yards/Rec | Touchdowns | Key Achievement |
| 2024 | CFL | Saskatchewan | 4 | 24 | 349 | 14.5 | 1 | 100+ yards in CFL debut |
| 2025 | CFL | Saskatchewan | 15 | 65 | 1,056 | 16.2 | 8 | Grey Cup Champion |
| Career | CFL | Total | 19 | 89 | 1,405 | 15.8 | 9 | 4x 100-Yard Games |
In January 2026, after helping Saskatchewan win the Grey Cup, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Meyers to a Reserve/Future contract.
2026 Bengals Training Camp: Turning Heads in Cincinnati
Since stepping onto the practice fields at Paycor Stadium during spring OTAs, Meyers has been one of the most consistent wide receivers on the field.
What Coaches and Teammates Are Saying
- Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals All-Pro WR): Named Meyers as one of Cincinnati’s clear breakout candidates during camp praise.
- Zac Taylor (Head Coach): “He’s had a lot of production in his lifetime. It’s just finding ways for him to try to make a play, and he’s shown up. We’re not going out of our way to showcase him. He’s just finding ways to show up and make plays.”
- Joe Flacco (Veteran QB): “You could tell pretty early on he was going to be reliable… He has the physical traits. He’s got a good head on him to know how to get open and win at the line of scrimmage.”
Key Camp Highlights
- Hands & Reliability: Frequently highlighted in practice reports for zero dropped passes during intensive team drills.
- Quarterback Connections: Caught back-shoulder throws from Joe Burrow, deep touchdown passes, and tight-coverage sideline toe-taps.
- Profound Preparation: Proactively reached out to former Bengals 500-catch receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh for advice on navigating team culture and route concepts.
Roster Breakdown: Can Dohnte Meyers Make the 53-Man Cut?
While Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins anchor the top of Cincinnati’s wide receiver depth chart, the battle for the 5th and 6th wideout positions—along with special teams roles—is wide open.
Meyers’ Advantages
- Versatility: Proven return capabilities (averaged 29.0 yards per kickoff return in 2025).
- Professional Experience: 19 games of high-level CFL experience mean he isn’t entering the NFL as a raw rookie.
- Consistency: High route-running discipline and dependable hands in red-zone and third-down situational plays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Dohnte Meyers?
Dohnte Meyers is an American professional wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. He previously starred in the CFL for the Saskatchewan Roughriders after playing college football at Presbyterian and Delta State.
What college did Dohnte Meyers attend?
Meyers began his college career at Presbyterian College (FCS) before transferring to Delta State University (Division II), where he earned 1,542 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns across two seasons.
How did Dohnte Meyers perform in the CFL?
In 2025, Meyers had a breakout season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, catching 65 passes for 1,056 yards and eight touchdowns while winning the Grey Cup.
What jersey number does Dohnte Meyers wear for the Bengals?
Dohnte Meyers wears #81 for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Dohnte Meyers’ story embodies perseverance. From driving DoorDash shifts late into the night to becoming a Grey Cup champion and earning high praise from Ja’Marr Chase in Bengals training camp, Meyers has proven that relentless work ethic can overcome any odds. As the 2026 preseason continues, all eyes will be on #81 to see if he locks down his spot on the Bengals’ opening day roster.
