Drue Chrisman, a punter once part of the Cincinnati Bengals' roster, has been riding a rollercoaster through the NFL's tumultuous landscape over the past year. After being cut by the Bengals in August 2023, Chrisman has made determined efforts to secure his place on another NFL team, trying out for multiple teams over the past 12 months.
A Series of Tryouts
One notable moment in his journey occurred on August 13 when Chrisman was invited to a tryout with the Washington Commanders. Eager to document and share his experiences, Chrisman released a video detailing the tryout just five days later. It was a candid glimpse into the life of an NFL hopeful, featuring an assistant coach informing Chrisman that the team had no plans to sign him. However, Chrisman's transparency led to unexpected consequences.
Legal Woes
Shortly after the video's release, Chrisman received a call from the Commanders' legal team, requesting that he delete the video. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," according to one source. Despite the legal team's insistence, Chrisman chose to keep the video online, demonstrating his resolve to maintain his narrative.
Contrasting Reactions
Interestingly, this was not Chrisman's first foray into documenting his professional journey. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video showcasing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers, unlike the Commanders, did not react to Chrisman's content in the same manner, allowing the video to stay up without issue.
Professional Record
Chrisman's professional record, though not spectacular, is commendable. In 2022, he averaged 42.6 net yards per punt while playing for the Bengals, ranking him 10th overall in the league that year. Nonetheless, his performance wasn't enough to secure a long-term spot with the team, leading to his release in August 2023.
A Brief Stint in the UFL
Chrisman then turned his attention to the United Football League (UFL), signing with the Birmingham Stallions in April. Unfortunately, his time there was short-lived. After filling in for injured punter Colby Wadman, Chrisman was released by the Stallions in May, once again entering free agency.
The Road Ahead
Currently, Chrisman remains a free agent, still seeking an opportunity to demonstrate his skills on the NFL field. Despite the setbacks and challenges, his determination to find a team that values his abilities continues to drive him forward.
Chrisman's journey highlights the uncertainties and pressures faced by professional athletes, particularly those on the cusp of securing their career. His candid approach to sharing these experiences provides fans with a deeper understanding of the intricate and often unforgiving nature of professional sports. As Chrisman continues his quest, his resilience and transparency stand as a testament to the perseverance required to thrive in the competitive world of the NFL.