Former DoorDash Driver Set To Make Preseason NFL Debut With Bengals In Shocking Career Turnaround
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
A former DoorDash driver will take the field for his first NFL action on Thursday night. The Cincinnati Bengals open the preseason against the Detroit Lions at Paycor Stadium. One undrafted receiver has turned heads throughout training camp and earned a real shot.
The 26-year-old joined the team on a reserve/futures contract in January after a strong season in the Canadian Football League. He has consistently made plays over the past 10 practices. Coaches and teammates have taken notice of his separation, hands, and ability to find the football.
Dohnte Meyers Climbed From DoorDash Shifts to Grey Cup Champion
Dohnte Meyers took a path far outside the normal NFL pipeline. He was a zero-star recruit out of high school in Georgia. He started at Presbyterian before transferring to Division II Delta State. There he posted solid numbers but still went undrafted in 2023.
With little interest from NFL teams, he structured his entire day around staying ready. He trained in the morning and afternoon, focused on recovery, then delivered DoorDash orders until 2 or 3 a.m. The cycle repeated the next day.
“I structured my whole life around pursuing a dream,” he later explained.
His break came through a $100 open tryout with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He earned a contract, battled through a broken wrist, and developed into a productive receiver. In 2025, he caught 65 passes for 1,056 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 16.2 yards per catch. He also returned kicks and helped the team win the Grey Cup.
That production put him on the Bengals’ radar. Scouting executive Andrew Johnson monitored other professional leagues and brought him in for a workout. He secured an opportunity with the Bengals shortly afterward.
Dohnte Meyers Eyes Roster Spot Through Return Game
The Bengals already feature a loaded group of receivers. Making the 53-man roster will require value beyond the starting lineup. That puts special teams under the spotlight in the preseason opener.
The return job remains open. Charlie Jones has handled most of those duties in recent seasons. Ke’Shawn Williams and others are also competing. Meyers brings real experience from the CFL, where he averaged 29 yards on kickoff returns and 10.4 yards on punt returns last year.
Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher has praised his ability to create separation and his reliable hands. Head coach Zac Taylor noted that the team has not needed to manufacture opportunities for him. The receiver simply keeps showing up around the football.
Thursday night offers the biggest stage yet. A strong showing as a receiver or returner could push the long-shot closer to a roster spot. The former delivery driver has already climbed further than most expected. One productive preseason debut would continue an unlikely journey years in the making.
