Drue Chrisman, a talented punter, has been on a relentless journey to secure his place within the NFL. After spending part of the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, Chrisman faced a significant career setback when he was cut in August 2023. Despite this, he has remained undeterred, tirelessly pursuing opportunities with various teams over the past year.
A Season of Trials
Chrisman's quest for a new team saw him trying out for multiple franchises. On August 13, he was invited to showcase his skills with the Washington Commanders. A few days later, Chrisman shared his experience in a detailed video. The footage captured the moments of anticipation and uncertainty, ultimately leading to a Commanders assistant coach informing him that the team did not plan to sign him.
Commanders React to Video
The aftermath of the video’s release took an unexpected turn when the Commanders' legal team contacted Chrisman, requesting he delete the content. According to one source, "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it." Despite the request, Chrisman chose to keep the video up, standing firm in his decision to share his experiences transparently.
A Different Reaction from the 49ers
This was not the first time Chrisman turned to social media to document his journey. Earlier that month, he posted a similar video detailing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Interestingly, the 49ers did not react in the same manner as the Commanders. There was no known legal pushback or request for deletion from the team's side, highlighting a stark difference in how teams handle the public sharing of tryout experiences.
Chrisman's NFL Performance
During his tenure with the Bengals in 2022, Chrisman demonstrated considerable prowess on the field. Averaging 42.6 net yards per punt, he ranked 10th overall in the league that year. Despite his commendable performance, the Bengals released him in August 2023, marking the beginning of his current free agency status.
Stint with the Birmingham Stallions
Not limiting his opportunities to the NFL alone, Chrisman also ventured into the United Football League (UFL). He signed with the Birmingham Stallions in April, filling in for the injured punter Colby Wadman. However, his time with the Stallions was short-lived, as he was released in May once Wadman returned to full fitness.
Looking Forward
Presently, Drue Chrisman remains a free agent. His journey through the highs and lows of professional sports exemplifies the challenges athletes face in securing and maintaining their roles in highly competitive environments. Each tryout and each team interaction adds another layer to his relentless pursuit of success in professional football. Despite the legal entanglements and the inevitable rejections, Chrisman’s determination continues to shine through, showcasing his resilience and unwavering commitment to his career.