Cincinnati Bengals’ first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart has reportedly left Cincinnati and returned to practice with his former college Texas A&M.
In an unexpected turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Shemar Stewart, the Cincinnati Bengals’ first-round draft pick, has reportedly left Cincinnati and returned to practice with his former college team, Texas A&M. The move has raised numerous questions among fans, analysts, and insiders alike, with many wondering what prompted this decision and what it means for Stewart’s future in the NFL and his relationship with the Bengals.
The news of Stewart’s return to Texas A&M, just months after being drafted by the Bengals, comes as a surprise given that rookie players typically head into their NFL careers with a strong commitment to their new teams. With an exciting future ahead, Stewart’s decision to leave Cincinnati during such a critical time in his development has left many speculating about the reasons behind it.
This development has also ignited broader discussions about the pressures and realities facing high-profile rookies in the NFL, the role of the college-to-professional transition, and how personal circumstances can sometimes play a role in a player’s journey.
Before diving into the current situation, it’s important to understand Shemar Stewart’s background, why he was regarded as one of the most promising defensive prospects in the 2025 draft class, and what his journey to the NFL has entailed.
Stewart’s football career began at Texas A&M, where he quickly emerged as one of the top defensive players in college football. A dynamic and versatile defensive lineman, Stewart showcased exceptional physicality and athleticism during his time with the Aggies. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 305 pounds, he had the size and strength to dominate offensive lines, along with the speed and agility to disrupt plays in both the run and pass game.
During his three years with the Aggies, Stewart amassed a staggering 35 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, and forced multiple fumbles. He also displayed impressive leadership qualities, becoming a vocal presence in the locker room and on the field. Stewart’s combination of raw power and refined technique made him one of the top defensive line prospects in the country and a consensus first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
As a result of his performances, Stewart quickly caught the attention of NFL scouts, with many teams seeing him as a potential game-changer on the defensive line. The Cincinnati Bengals, a team known for building strong defensive units under head coach Zac Taylor, chose Stewart with the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, making him one of the cornerstones of their defense for the future.
When Stewart was selected by the Bengals, it was seen as a great fit for both parties. The Bengals, who had made significant strides in recent years and were looking to strengthen their defense to complement their high-powered offense, were excited to add a player of Stewart’s caliber to their roster. The move also represented a huge achievement for Stewart, who was living out his dream of playing in the NFL after a standout college career.
For Stewart, it was a moment of pride and anticipation. His hard work and dedication at Texas A&M had culminated in this moment, and he had the opportunity to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Stewart had all the tools to succeed: he was a gifted pass rusher, a force in the run game, and an elite tackler. He was poised to thrive under the Bengals’ system and potentially become one of the league’s top defensive linemen.
As a rookie, expectations were high, but Stewart seemed ready to rise to the challenge. He entered the Bengals’ training camp with a fresh mindset, ready to absorb all he could from NFL coaches and veteran teammates. His goal was to develop his game, make an immediate contribution, and help elevate the Bengals’ defense to the next level.
However, the excitement of starting his professional career in Cincinnati was short-lived, as Shemar Stewart reportedly made the decision to leave the Bengals and return to Texas A&M for additional practice time. While the exact reasons for this decision have yet to be officially confirmed, several theories have emerged as to why Stewart chose to depart from Cincinnati and seek out the familiar surroundings of his former college.
One of the primary explanations circulating regarding Stewart’s decision to leave the Bengals involves personal reasons, particularly related to family and mental health. The transition from college football to the NFL can be incredibly stressful, and for a young player like Stewart, the pressures of playing in the spotlight can sometimes become overwhelming.
Stewart’s close ties to his family and the support network he built during his time at Texas A&M could be factors influencing his decision. In his college years, Stewart was often seen leaning on his family and coaches for guidance, and the sudden jump to a professional team in a new city might have created a sense of isolation. For a young player trying to balance a career, personal life, and the overwhelming expectations that come with being a first-round draft pick, the transition can sometimes take a toll on a player’s mental well-being.
In such a case, returning to Texas A&M could provide the stability and support system that Stewart needs to recalibrate and refocus before diving back into his professional career. College environments, while still challenging, often feel more familiar and supportive, and for a young player like Stewart, going back to where it all started could be a way to regain his confidence and peace of mind.
Another theory circulating is that Stewart may have felt that the transition from college football to the NFL was happening too quickly. NFL training camps and practices are known for their intensity and level of competition, and for some rookies, the adjustment can be daunting. While Stewart undoubtedly has the talent to thrive at the next level, it’s possible that the Bengals’ practice schedule or the speed of the professional game was not what he was expecting.
By returning to Texas A&M, Stewart could have been looking to further hone his skills and improve areas of his game before making the final leap to the NFL. Although NFL teams have world-class coaching staffs, some players may prefer to return to their college programs, where they are more familiar with the system and feel they can work on specific technical aspects of their game in a less high-pressure environment.
At Texas A&M, Stewart would have access to the coaching staff that helped him develop his skills into a first-round draft pick. This familiar environment could allow him to work on refining his technique, conditioning, and decision-making before rejoining the Bengals for the regular season.
Another potential factor in Stewart’s decision to leave the Bengals could be related to contractual issues or miscommunication with the team. Although it’s unlikely that a first-round draft pick like Stewart would be having significant contract disputes so early in his career, there have been cases where rookies have faced issues regarding their roles, compensation, or expectations within the team.
If there were misunderstandings or disagreements between Stewart and the Bengals regarding his contract or role, it could have led to the temporary break. In such situations, a player may return to his former college to regroup, or the team might encourage the player to take time away to resolve internal issues. However, there is no official confirmation from Stewart or the Bengals regarding any contractual disputes at this time.
Regardless of the reasons behind Stewart’s decision, the fact remains that this is a significant development for both the Bengals and the young defensive lineman. The Bengals, coming off a successful 2024 season and with high expectations for 2025, were counting on Stewart to contribute immediately. His absence leaves a hole in an already stacked defensive line, and the team will need to adjust their plans while Stewart is away.
For Stewart, the clock is ticking on his NFL career. The decision to leave the Bengals for Texas A&M is undoubtedly a setback, but it’s one that can be mitigated with the right approach. If he can return to Cincinnati with a refreshed mindset and enhanced skills, Stewart could still be a major force on the defensive line for the Bengals in 2025.
However, the Bengals’ coaching staff will likely have questions about Stewart’s readiness and commitment moving forward. It remains to be seen how his relationship with the team will evolve and whether he will be able to re-establish himself as a key piece of the Bengals’ defense.
Shemar Stewart’s decision to leave Cincinnati and return to Texas A&M is a complex and unexpected turn in his young NFL career. Whether the move is rooted in personal concerns, the desire for further development, or potential contractual issues, Stewart’s situation raises important questions about the pressures of transitioning from college football to the professional ranks.
For the Bengals, Stewart’s absence complicates their plans, but it also presents an opportunity for other players on the roster to step up. For Stewart, the journey back to Texas A&M could be a necessary step in preparing him for the demands of the NFL.
Ultimately, only time will tell how this situation unfolds. If Stewart can return to Cincinnati with renewed focus and determination, he has the potential to be a cornerstone player on the Bengals’ defense. However, if issues persist, the Bengals may have to reassess their plans for the future of one of their most promising rookies.
