Drue Chrisman, a talented punter, had a roller-coaster 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, showcasing his skills with an impressive average of 42.6 net yards per punt, which ranked him 10th overall in the league. Despite this strong performance, Chrisman found himself cut from the Bengals in August 2023 and has since been in pursuit of a new NFL opportunity.
Struggles and Resilience
The months following his release have been a testament to Chrisman's resilience and determination. He has tried out for various teams over the past year, continuously seeking a spot on an NFL roster. On August 13, Chrisman gained attention when he was invited to a tryout with the Washington Commanders. This opportunity marked yet another chapter in his quest to secure a permanent role in professional football.
In an effort to share his journey and perhaps provide a transparent view of what it’s like for a free agent in the NFL, Chrisman released a video detailing his experience at the Commanders' tryout five days later. The video not only captured the rigorous process of the tryout but also included a noteworthy moment where a Commanders assistant coach informed him that the team did not plan to sign him.
Controversy with the Commanders
The situation took an intriguing turn when the Commanders' legal team contacted Chrisman, requesting that he delete the video. This move by the Commanders added a layer of controversy to what might have otherwise been a routine disclosure of an athlete’s career struggles. According to one source, "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it." Despite their request, Chrisman chose to keep the video up, a decision that was met with curiosity and support from fans eager for behind-the-scenes access to the world of professional sports.
A Different Reaction from the 49ers
Interestingly, this wasn't the first time Chrisman shared his tryout experiences with the public. Earlier in the month, he posted a similar video recounting his tryout adventure with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not react to the content in the same way. The lack of pushback from the 49ers suggests varying levels of transparency and openness among NFL teams regarding their internal processes.
A Stint in the UFL
Aside from his NFL aspirations, Chrisman also explored another avenue by signing with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL) in April. Although his time with the Stallions was short-lived – he was released in May after filling in for injured punter Colby Wadman – it demonstrated his willingness to stay active and keep honing his craft in professional football.
Future Uncertain
As of now, Chrisman remains a free agent, continuing to navigate the challenging landscape of securing a permanent position in professional football. His journey, filled with ups and downs, tryouts, and legal wranglings, highlights the uncertain and often arduous path athletes face in their careers.
Drue Chrisman's story is a compelling narrative of perseverance, resilience, and the determination to overcome the odds. Whether he eventually lands a new job in the NFL or explores other opportunities in football, his unwavering spirit and transparency have certainly left an impression on both fans and the broader sports community.