Drue Chrisman, a punter known for his tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals, has had a tumultuous 2023 as he embarks on a quest to secure a spot with a new NFL team. Chrisman, known for averaging 42.6 net yards per punt in 2022 - ranking him 10th overall in the league - was released by the Bengals in August 2023, marking the start of a challenging period in his professional career.
A Season of Trials
Following his release, Chrisman’s journey has been marked by numerous tryouts and a strong desire to return to professional football. Over the past 12 months, he has showcased his skills to multiple teams, hoping for a call to join their rosters. On August 13, Chrisman received an opportunity with the Washington Commanders. His experience with the Commanders, however, did not go as planned.
In a candid video released by Chrisman five days after his tryout with the Commanders, he shared an inside look into the process. The video captures a significant moment where an assistant coach from the Commanders informed Chrisman that the team did not intend to sign him. This transparent portrayal of his journey provides a rare glimpse into the often private world of NFL tryouts.
Legal Challenges
The openness of Chrisman’s video did not sit well with everyone. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," shared a source. Despite this request, Chrisman chose to keep the video online, maintaining his stand to offer fans and followers an authentic look at his career chase.
Contrasting Reactions
Chrisman’s transparency is not new. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video detailing his tryout with another NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not react adversely to the content Chrisman shared. This dichotomy in responses from NFL teams highlights the varying degrees of openness and control teams exercise over their internal processes.
Future Prospects
In addition to his NFL aspirations, Chrisman briefly ventured into the United Football League (UFL) when he signed with the Birmingham Stallions in April. He joined the Stallions to fill in for injured punter Colby Wadman but was released a month later in May. This short stint in the UFL, though not leading to a long-term position, demonstrated Chrisman's willingness to explore all avenues to continue his professional career.
Maintaining his status as a free agent, Chrisman continues his pursuit for an opportunity to prove his mettle once more in the gridiron. His persistence reflects the resilience required by athletes to navigate the competitive world of professional sports, where opportunities can be fleeting but are eternally sought after.
As Chrisman remains determined in his efforts, both fans and fellow players observe closely, many rooting for a comeback story that exemplifies the spirit of never giving up. His transparent approach via social media offers an authenticity and vulnerability that resonates with many, humanizing the often-celebrated but equally challenging life of professional athletes.
The journey of Drue Chrisman is far from over, and as he continues to train and try out for teams, the sports community watches with keen interest, hoping that his next chapter will be one of success and fulfillment.