Drue Chrisman, a punter known for his tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals, has faced a tumultuous year in the NFL. Chrisman, who ranked 10th in the league in 2022 with an average of 42.6 net yards per punt, was cut from the Bengals’ roster in August 2023. Since then, he has been on an arduous quest to secure a spot with another NFL team.
A Season of Tryouts
Over the past 12 months, Chrisman has actively pursued opportunities across the league, participating in multiple tryouts. On August 13, he was invited for a tryout with the Washington Commanders. The process seemed promising until a Commanders' assistant coach informed him that the team did not plan to sign him, a moment Chrisman candidly shared in a video he released five days after the tryout.
The video, which detailed Chrisman’s experience with the Commanders, drew significant attention. However, it also attracted the scrutiny of the Commanders' legal team, who contacted Chrisman and requested that he delete the video. Despite the legal team’s insistence, Chrisman chose to keep the video online, underscoring the transparency and openness that have characterized his recent endeavors. As one source noted, "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it."
Comparative Experiences
Chrisman has not limited his candid revelations to his experience with the Commanders. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video showcasing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Interestingly, the 49ers did not react to the shared content with the same level of concern that the Commanders exhibited, highlighting a varied response from NFL teams toward players’ social media transparency.
A Brief Stint with the Birmingham Stallions
Further complicating his career trajectory, Chrisman briefly transitioned to the United Football League (UFL). In April, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions, stepping in for the injured punter Colby Wadman. Unfortunately, his time with the Stallions was short-lived; he was released in May after Wadman's return to form.
Staying Positive Amid Uncertainty
Despite these setbacks, Chrisman remains undeterred. As a free agent, he continues to seek opportunities within the NFL and beyond. His insistence on sharing his journey publicly demonstrates not just his passion for the game but also a commitment to authenticity that resonates with fans and fellow players alike.
In an era where athletes increasingly control their narratives, Chrisman’s transparency provides a revealing look into the often opaque process of securing a place in professional sports. With his skills proven on the field and his determination clear off it, Chrisman’s journey is far from over.
As he navigates the complex landscape of the NFL, the sports world watches closely, knowing that the next chapter in Drue Chrisman’s career could unfold at any moment.
