Drue Chrisman, a punter who made his mark with the Cincinnati Bengals during part of the 2022 season, currently finds himself navigating the unpredictable waters of the NFL job market. Despite a solid performance with the Bengals, where he averaged 42.6 net yards per punt, ranking 10th overall in the league that year, Chrisman's journey through the NFL has been anything but smooth.
In August 2023, Chrisman was released by the Bengals, joining the ranks of free agents on the hunt for a new opportunity in professional football. Since then, he has been relentless in his pursuit of securing a spot on an NFL roster, trying out for multiple teams over the past year.
Washington Commanders Tryout
One notable chapter in Chrisman's recent endeavors was his tryout with the Washington Commanders on August 13. Optimistic about his prospects, Chrisman documented his experience and shared a video detailing the tryout five days later. The candid video provided an insider look at the high-stakes world of NFL tryouts, including a pivotal moment where a Commanders assistant coach informed Chrisman that the team did not plan to sign him.
However, this transparency did not sit well with the Commanders' legal team. Shortly after the video's release, Chrisman received a request from the Commanders to take it down. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," reported one source. Chrisman, however, chose to keep the video up despite the request, demonstrating a willingness to stand by his experiences and share them publicly.
Previous Tryout with the 49ers
Interestingly, this was not the first time Chrisman shared such an experience. Earlier in the month, he had released a similar video that chronicled his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not react to the content Chrisman shared. This divergence in reactions highlights the varying internal policies and public relations strategies of NFL teams regarding player transparency.
Stint with the Birmingham Stallions
Chrisman's career in 2023 also included a brief stint with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). In April, he signed with the Stallions and filled in for the injured punter Colby Wadman. Unfortunately, his time with the Stallions was short-lived as he was released in May once Wadman returned to the lineup. This release added yet another twist to Chrisman's rollercoaster year.
Looking Forward
Now, as the NFL season progresses, Chrisman remains a free agent, actively seeking the next opportunity to showcase his talents. His journey is a testament to the resilience required in professional sports, exemplifying the determination and adaptability needed to persevere through the uncertainties of an NFL career.
Despite the setbacks, Chrisman's story resonates with many aspiring athletes who grapple with the challenges of reaching and maintaining a position in professional leagues. His transparency and willingness to share his experiences, even when faced with opposition, offer valuable insights into the world of professional football—a world where not every player’s story is one of uninterrupted success, but perseverance and grit often define the journey.
