Punter Drue Chrisman Chronicles His Search for an NFL Job
Drue Chrisman, a punter who spent part of the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, has faced a tumultuous journey in his bid to secure a new NFL job since being cut in August 2023. Chrisman, who averaged 42.6 net yards per punt while playing for the Bengals and ranked 10th overall in the league that year, has not had a smooth path despite his notable performance.
Trials and Tribulations
After his release, Chrisman remained proactive, trying out for multiple teams over the past 12 months. His efforts led him to an opportunity with the Washington Commanders. On August 13, Chrisman was invited to a tryout with the Commanders. In an era where athletes often share behind-the-scenes glimpses with their fans, Chrisman recorded his experience and released a video detailing the tryout five days later.
Behind the Scenes
The video provides an candid look at the life of a free-agent athlete striving to land a spot in the highly competitive NFL. One poignant moment in the video captures a Commanders assistant coach informing Chrisman that the team doesn't plan to sign him. It was a raw and honest reflection of the harsh realities of professional sports.
However, the Washington Commanders took issue with this transparent portrayal. According to sources, "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it." Despite their request, Chrisman chose to keep the video up, standing by his decision to share his journey with his audience.
A Growing Trend
This isn't the first time Chrisman shared his tryout experiences. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video showcasing a tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Interestingly, the 49ers did not react to the content shared in the same way as the Commanders, showing a variance in how different teams handle media coverage by athletes.
A Shifting Path
In addition to his NFL aspirations, Chrisman's career took a brief detour into the United Football League (UFL). In April, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions but was released a month later after filling in for injured punter Colby Wadman. This brief stint highlights the unpredictable nature of a professional athlete's career path, with changing teams and leagues adding complexity to an already challenging profession.
As of now, Chrisman remains a free agent, continually seeking his next opportunity in the NFL. His journey is a testament to perseverance and the reality that even high-performing athletes face uncertainties and hardships. Chrisman's willingness to share his experiences publicly provides fans with a deeper understanding of the personal and professional trials athletes endure in pursuit of their dreams.
While some organizations may resist such transparency, as illustrated by the Commanders' reaction, the growing trend of athletes documenting and sharing their journeys could offer a richer narrative for the sports community. Whether Chrisman's next video will showcase his triumphant return to the NFL or another chapter in his battle for a spot remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Chrisman's resilience continues to inspire his fans and peers alike.