Drue Chrisman, a punter who once held a spot on the Cincinnati Bengals roster, has been navigating a challenging road in his pursuit of an NFL job. The 2022 season saw Chrisman contributing to the Bengals, where he achieved a notable average of 42.6 net yards per punt—ranking 10th overall in the league. However, his journey has been less stable since, marked by frequent tryouts and short-tenured contracts.
A Journey Through Trials
After being cut by the Bengals in August 2023, Chrisman has been on a determined quest to find a new team. Over the past 12 months, he has tried out for multiple teams. A significant moment came on August 13 when Chrisman was invited to a tryout with the Washington Commanders. This was a vital opportunity for him, one that he documented meticulously in a video released five days later.
The video provided a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into Chrisman's experience during the tryout, shedding light on his interactions and the level of competition professional athletes endure. The climax of the video was a candid moment where a Commanders assistant coach informed Chrisman that, despite his efforts, the team did not plan to sign him.
Legal Controversy
The aftermath of this video release saw Chrisman entangled in a legal dispute with the Commanders. According to sources, "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it." The Commanders' request to remove the video was clear, but Chrisman chose to keep it up, standing by his decision to share his authentic experiences with his audience.
Interestingly, earlier in the same month, Chrisman had released a similar video showcasing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. However, the 49ers did not react in the same manner as the Commanders, displaying a more lenient stance toward the content shared by Chrisman.
Continued Pursuit
Chrisman's journey also took a detour into the United Football League (UFL), where he signed with the Birmingham Stallions in April. His tenure with the Stallions was short-lived, though; he was released in May after a brief stint filling in for the injured punter, Colby Wadman. Since then, Chrisman has remained a free agent, persistently seeking a spot in professional football.
The path that Chrisman has chosen reflects the often harsh and uncertain reality of pursuing a career in the NFL. His willingness to openly document and share his experiences highlights a level of transparency that many fans appreciate but that some league executives view with caution.
As Drue Chrisman continues his search for a stable position within the NFL, his story serves as a testament to perseverance and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams, no matter the obstacles. While the road ahead remains uncertain, Chrisman's dedication and candid sharing of his journey provide an insightful look into the competitive world of professional football.
In a league where stability is often a luxury, Chrisman's narrative reminds us of the human element behind each player’s journey, a perspective that sometimes gets lost amid the stats and performances.