Drue Chrisman, a skilled punter who made notable waves with the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2022 season, finds himself navigating the tumultuous waters of professional football employment. Known for his impressive average of 42.6 net yards per punt, which ranked him 10th overall in the league that year, Chrisman’s journey since his release from the Bengals in August 2023 has been anything but straightforward.
Chrisman’s tenure with the Bengals culminated in a solid performance, yet it wasn’t enough to secure his position beyond the preseason cut. The 2023 season kickoff saw him in search of a new NFL team, a process that has seen him journey across various team facilities in hopes of securing a roster spot. His efforts have not gone unnoticed; the punter has garnered multiple tryout opportunities over the past 12 months.
Tryout with the Washington Commanders
On August 13, Chrisman participated in a significant tryout with the Washington Commanders. This experience sparked considerable attention, especially after Chrisman released a detailed video of his tryout experience five days later. The video provided a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the tryout process, featuring moments that are typically shielded from public view.
One particularly candid moment captured in the video was when a Commanders assistant coach relayed the disheartening news to Chrisman – the team had decided not to sign him. The raw authenticity of the video struck a chord with viewers, offering an unfiltered look at the often harsh realities faced by professional athletes.
The Commanders' Legal Response
However, this level of transparency did not sit well with everyone. The Commanders' legal team reportedly contacted Chrisman, urging him to remove the video from public view. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," according to one source. Despite the request, Chrisman chose to keep the video up, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and sharing his professional journey with his followers.
A Tale of Two Reactions
Chrisman’s approach to documenting his tryout experiences isn't a first. Earlier in the month, he posted a similar video detailing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Interestingly, the 49ers did not react to the content in the same manner as the Commanders. The contrasting responses from the two organizations highlight the varying levels of openness and media strategy employed by NFL teams regarding internal practices.
Stint with the Birmingham Stallions
The journey did not end with his NFL tryouts. Chrisman also explored opportunities in other football leagues. In April, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). His time with the Stallions, however, was brief; he was brought in to fill in for the injured punter Colby Wadman and subsequently released in May once Wadman returned to full health.
Despite the setbacks, Chrisman's journey illustrates a relentless pursuit of his professional goals. Through the highs and lows, he remains undeterred in his quest for a stable role as a punter. His willingness to share his experiences publicly, even at the risk of professional backlash, underscores his resilience and commitment to the sport he loves.
Chrisman's story, enriched with candid video insights and the stark contrasts in team responses, offers a poignant look into the life of an NFL hopeful fighting to maintain his foothold in a highly competitive field. As he remains a free agent, his future in professional football continues to be a compelling narrative worth following.
