The journey of an NFL player is often a turbulent one; full of highs and lows that can abruptly change the course of a career. Drue Chrisman, a punter who spent part of the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, knows this all too well. Chrisman, known for his powerful leg and strategic placements, saw a season of promise turn into a year of uncertainty.
A Rollercoaster Year
Chrisman, after being released by the Bengals in August 2023, has been on a relentless pursuit to find a new team. He has tried out for multiple teams over the past 12 months, showing his commitment to staying in the NFL despite the challenges. One of the notable tryouts came on August 13, 2023, when Chrisman was given an opportunity to showcase his skills for the Washington Commanders.
However, the tryout didn’t go as Chrisman had hoped. In a candid move, the punter released a video detailing his experience, providing fans and followers a rare glimpse behind the scenes. In the video, a somber moment is captured where a Commanders assistant coach informs Chrisman that the team doesn't plan to sign him.
Legal Controversy
In an unexpected twist, the Commanders' legal team contacted Chrisman and asked him to delete the video. Perhaps aiming to protect the privacy of their internal processes or the players involved, the Commanders definitely weren't pleased with the video being made public. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," one source revealed, painting a picture of the tensions between player transparency and team confidentiality.
Chrisman, however, decided to keep the video up despite the request. This act of defiance added another layer of complexity to his already tumultuous pursuit of an NFL contract.
Comparing Reactions
Interestingly, this wasn't the first time Chrisman had shared a video of his tryout experiences. Earlier in the same month, he posted a similar video detailing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not react aggressively to Chrisman's content. This contrast in responses raises questions about the different ways NFL teams handle publicity and player interactions, and how players like Chrisman navigate these varied landscapes.
Stellar Performance Amid Struggles
Chrisman's skills are well-documented. In 2022, he averaged 42.6 net yards per punt while playing for the Bengals, ranking 10th overall in the league that year. Despite these impressive statistics, maintaining a spot in the NFL has proved elusive for Chrisman as he was released by the Bengals in August 2023.
In a further testament to his resolve, Chrisman signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL in April. But once again, his tenure was short-lived. He filled in for injured punter Colby Wadman, only to be released by the Stallions in May once Wadman recovered. Now, Chrisman remains a free agent, in search of the next opportunity.
An Uncertain Future
Drue Chrisman’s story is emblematic of the uncertainties and challenges faced by professional athletes. His experience, particularly with the Washington Commanders, underscores the delicate balance athletes must strike between transparency and professionalism, especially in an era where social media allows direct communication with fans.
As Chrisman continues to search for a new NFL home, his videos and candid reflections offer valuable insights into the human side of professional football—a side characterized by relentless effort, occasional setbacks, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream.
