Chrisman's Struggle to Secure an NFL Position: A Closer Look
In a year filled with personal highs and professional lows, Drue Chrisman, a punter most recently affiliated with the Cincinnati Bengals, continues to navigate the unpredictable waters of the National Football League (NFL). His journey, marked by a series of tries and misfortunes, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges athletes face even after making their way into the league.
Chrisman’s stint with the Bengals, a team where he showcased his skills significantly in the 2022 season, saw him averaging an impressive 42.6 net yards per punt. This placed him tenth overall in the league that year, underlining his potential and capacity to hold his ground amidst fierce competition. Despite these commendable statistics, Chrisman was cut from the Bengals’ roster in August 2023, setting the stage for an arduous quest to secure a new position in the NFL.
Trials and Tribulations
Since his release, Chrisman has consistently been seeking opportunities to showcase his talents to other teams. Over the past twelve months, he has tried out for multiple franchises, illustrating his relentless pursuit of an NFL job. One notable tryout took place on August 13, 2023, when Chrisman was invited by the Washington Commanders to demonstrate his abilities.
This particular audition gained public attention largely due to a video released by Chrisman five days later. In this video, he provided an inside look at his tryout experience with the Commanders. A particularly candid moment in the footage captured a Commanders assistant coach informing Chrisman that the team did not plan on signing him. This transparent glimpse into the often unseen side of professional sports sparked a mixed reaction from the public.
Legal Entanglements
The unfolding drama took an interesting turn when the Commanders' legal team contacted Chrisman, requesting him to delete the video detailing his tryout experience. “The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it,” confirmed a source close to the situation. However, Chrisman decided to keep the video online, choosing to stand by his decision to share his professional journey with the public.
This isn’t the first time Chrisman has shared such candid content. Earlier in the month, he released another video documenting his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Interestingly, the 49ers did not react to the content in the same way as the Commanders, opting for a nonchalant stance towards Chrisman's transparency.
Another League, Another Shot
Aside from his NFL ventures, Chrisman briefly found a home in the United Football League (UFL). In April, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions, stepping in for the injured punter Colby Wadman. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Stallions was short-lived as he was released by the team in May, once Wadman had recovered from his injury. Despite exhibiting reliability and skill during his short stint, this release was yet another hurdle in Chrisman's pro football journey.
The Unwavering Pursuit
As it stands, Drue Chrisman remains a free agent, persistently pursuing his next opportunity. His journey serves as both an inspiration and a sobering reminder of the volatility inherent in professional sports. While averaging 42.6 net yards per punt and ranking tenth overall in the league highlight his competence, the reality of roster cuts and tenuous contracts underscore the relentless nature of the profession.
Chrisman's story continues to evolve, marked by his unwavering dedication and transparent sharing of his professional experiences. Whether the Commanders' legal pushback or the contrasting response from the 49ers, each trial adds a layer to the narrative of an athlete striving to secure his place in the competitive world of the NFL. His resilience remains a testament to the grit and tenacity required to navigate a career in professional football.