Drue Chrisman's Journey: From the Bengals to the Commanders' Tryout
Drue Chrisman, a talented punter, who spent part of the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, finds himself navigating the often tumultuous waters of securing an NFL job. Chrisman, who demonstrated solid performance during his stint with the Bengals with an impressive 42.6 net yards per punt average—ranking him 10th overall in the league that year—was released in August 2023. This release kickstarted a relentless pursuit for a new team.
Despite being let go by the Bengals, Chrisman has remained undeterred. Over the past 12 months, he has been seen trying out for multiple teams. His journey took a notable turn on August 13, when he was invited to a tryout with the Washington Commanders. It was a significant opportunity, prompting Chrisman to document his experience, a move that would later attract a fair share of controversy.
Five days post-tryout, Chrisman released a video detailing his experience with the Commanders. The video, designed to provide a candid insight into a punter's attempt to secure a role in the league, premiered a moment where a Commanders assistant coach candidly informed him that the team didn't plan to sign him. Such transparency is rare, and it offered viewers a raw glimpse into the high-stakes world of professional football tryouts.
However, the content of the video did not sit well with all parties involved. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," sources revealed. The request from the Commanders' legal team underscored the sensitivity that NFL organizations maintain concerning public disclosures about internal decisions and tryouts.
Chrisman, however, chose to keep the video up despite the Commanders' request, asserting his right to share his journey with his followers and fans. His decision highlighted an ongoing conversation about player autonomy and transparency versus organizational privacy.
This incident wasn’t unique for Chrisman. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video showcasing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Interestingly, the reaction from the 49ers was markedly different. The team did not react to the content in the same way as the Commanders, possibly indicating varying degrees of openness within different organizations.
Since being released by the Bengals, Chrisman's career has seen several ups and downs. In April, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL), hoping to find stability and consistent playtime. However, his time with the Stallions was short-lived. After stepping in for the injured punter Colby Wadman, Chrisman was released by the Stallions in May, adding yet another twist to his professional journey.
Despite these setbacks, Chrisman remains a free agent, a testament to his unwavering belief in his abilities and his resilience. His journey exemplifies the often unseen struggles and perseverance of professional athletes, particularly those not in the spotlight of more glamorous positions. While punters may not always grab headlines, their role is crucial, and their careers are fraught with challenges, as Chrisman's story poignantly illustrates.
As Chrisman continues to seek a team that will utilize his skills, his story remains a compelling narrative about the reality of professional sports and the persistence required to stay in the game. Whether he finds a new team or continues to document his journey, Chrisman's experiences shed light on the perseverance needed to succeed at the highest levels of football.