Drue Chrisman's NFL Journey: Trials and Tribulations
Drue Chrisman's NFL Journey: Trials and Tribulations
Drue Chrisman, a talented punter with a brief yet eventful NFL career, has faced a turbulent year. Chrisman, who spent part of the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, has been navigating the challenging waters of securing a stable position in the NFL. Despite his promising performance, Chrisman remains a free agent, tirelessly seeking the right opportunity.
Chrisman's journey this past year has seen numerous tryouts and short stints with various teams. He averaged an impressive 42.6 net yards per punt in 2022, ranking 10th overall in the league. However, this performance wasn't enough to secure his spot with the Bengals, who released him in August 2023.
Washington Commanders Tryout
One of the pivotal moments in Chrisman's recent career was his tryout with the Washington Commanders. Invited for a workout on August 13, Chrisman hoped to make a positive impression and earn a contract. However, the outcome was not as he had hoped.
Five days after the tryout, Chrisman released a video detailing his experience. The video provides a candid look into the world of NFL tryouts, culminating in a moment where a Commanders assistant coach informs Chrisman that the team does not plan to sign him.
"The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," one source noted, indicating the team's discomfort with the transparency Chrisman provided. Despite this request, Chrisman chose to keep the video up, giving fans and aspiring players a rare glimpse into the often opaque process of NFL team tryouts.
A Tale of Two Teams
Interestingly, this wasn't the first time Chrisman shared his tryout experience. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video showcasing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers, however, did not react to the content in the same way as the Commanders, allowing the video to remain without any legal pushback. This contrast highlights the varying levels of media control and public relations strategies employed by different NFL franchises.
UFL Stint and Continued Free Agency
In addition to his NFL pursuits, Chrisman briefly explored opportunities in the United Football League (UFL). He signed with the Birmingham Stallions in April after being released by the Bengals. Unfortunately, this stint was short-lived as well. Chrisman filled in for the injured punter Colby Wadman but was released by the Stallions in May.
The Road Ahead
As of now, Drue Chrisman remains a free agent, continuing his relentless pursuit of securing a spot on an NFL roster. His journey reflects the precarious nature of professional sports, where talent meets opportunity and resilience.
Despite the setbacks, Chrisman's transparency and willingness to share his experiences offer valuable insights into the life of a professional athlete. Whether detailing the highs of successful punts or the lows of being told "no," his story resonates with the struggles and determination faced by many in the sporting world.
As the season progresses, only time will tell where Chrisman's next opportunity will arise. For now, his videos and experiences provide a beacon of hope and realism for all aspiring professional athletes.
