Chrisman's Journey Through NFL Tryouts
Drue Chrisman, a punter who has experienced the highs and lows of professional football, has been hustling for a new opportunity since his release from the Cincinnati Bengals in August 2023. His journey through multiple team tryouts has met significant challenges, most recently with the Washington Commanders.
During the 2022 season, Chrisman made a notable impact as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. Averaging 42.6 net yards per punt, he ranked 10th overall in the league, showcasing his ability to play at a high level. However, the nature of professional sports is unforgiving and in August 2023, Chrisman found himself cut from the team that had once relied on his skills.
Since then, Chrisman has been persistent in his pursuit of a new NFL team, trying out for numerous teams over the past 12 months. His efforts led him to a tryout with the Washington Commanders on August 13, providing him with yet another shot at securing a roster spot. Chrisman documented this tryout experience in a video released five days later, giving his fans and followers an insider's look at the process.
The video offered more than just a peek behind the curtain of an NFL tryout; it also included a significant moment where a Commanders assistant coach informed Chrisman that the team didn't plan to sign him. Despite this disappointing news, Chrisman decided to share his experience with the public. His transparency, however, did not sit well with the Commanders' legal team. According to one source, "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it." Chrisman, standing by his decision, kept the video up despite the request.
This wasn't the first time Chrisman had shared such candid footage. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video detailing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not ask him to take down the content. This differing reaction highlights the varied approaches teams take regarding the public sharing of internal processes by players.
Chrisman’s tenacity isn't limited to just NFL tryouts. In a move to stay active and relevant in the world of professional football, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL) in April. Unfortunately, his stint with the Stallions was short-lived. After filling in for the injured punter Colby Wadman, Chrisman was released by the team in May.
As of now, Chrisman remains a free agent, continuing to seek out opportunities to play the game he loves. His experiences over the past year, marked by trials with multiple teams and the candid sharing of his journey, underscore the relentless and oftentimes unforgiving pathway to securing a spot in professional football.
Chrisman's journey is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. As he navigates the challenges and setbacks, he remains a figure of interest, not just for his on-field abilities but also for his willingness to provide an authentic look at the life of an aspiring professional athlete. Whether or not he finds a new home in the NFL or elsewhere, Chrisman's story resonates with the many who follow the ups and downs of professional sports careers.