Chrisman's Ongoing NFL Journey Faces New Challenges
Drue Chrisman, a punter who spent part of the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, finds himself navigating a turbulent path in professional football. After being released in August 2023 by the Bengals, Chrisman has been fervently on the hunt for a new team, trying out for multiple NFL franchises and even documenting his experiences.
The Commanders Tryout
On August 13, Chrisman received an invitation to try out with the Washington Commanders. Eager to share his journey, Chrisman released a video five days later, providing an inside look at his tryout experience. The video included a candid moment where a Commanders assistant coach informed Chrisman that the team did not plan to sign him.
The Commanders' response to the video was swift and stern. Their legal team contacted Chrisman, requesting that he take down the video. Despite this, Chrisman chose to keep the video up. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," noted one source. His decision to defy the team’s request has sparked discussions about transparency and the player’s right to share his professional journey.
Past Encounters and Differing Reactions
This wasn't the first time Chrisman documented a tryout. Earlier in the month, he posted a similar video showcasing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not react negatively to the content, indicating that NFL teams' tolerances for such transparency vary greatly.
In the 2022 NFL season, Chrisman averaged 42.6 net yards per punt while with the Bengals, ranking him 10th overall in the league that year. Despite these impressive statistics, securing a stable position has been challenging for him.
Exploring Other Avenues
Chrisman's journey didn't stop with the NFL. In April, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). His stint with the Stallions, however, was short-lived. He was called to fill in for the injured punter, Colby Wadman, but was released in May once Wadman returned to health. This brief tenure added yet another chapter to Chrisman's unpredictable career.
The Road Ahead
Currently, Chrisman remains a free agent, continuously striving to find a spot where he can showcase his skills. His perseverance is evident, yet it highlights the highly competitive and uncertain nature of professional football careers.
As Chrisman continues his pursuit, his story raises questions about the balance between professional conduct and personal expression. His videos have provided fans and aspiring players with a rare glimpse into the tryout process, but they have also highlighted the varying degrees of acceptance and privacy concerns among NFL teams.
For Chrisman, each tryout and subsequent video shares a piece of his story. In a world where athletes often become larger-than-life figures, his transparency offers a humble reminder of the struggles and rejections that even skilled professionals face.
The sports world will be watching closely to see where Chrisman lands next and how his journey unfolds. Whether on an NFL roster or in another league, his dedication to the sport and his willingness to share his experiences continue to resonate with fans and athletes alike.