In the unpredictable world of professional football, few stories encapsulate the highs and lows of an athlete’s journey quite like that of Drue Chrisman. The former Cincinnati Bengals punter has found himself navigating turbulent waters since his release in August 2023.
A Season to Remember
Chrisman’s 2022 season with the Bengals was marked by notable achievements. Averaging 42.6 net yards per punt, he finished 10th overall in the league. Such a performance was a testament to his skill and consistency, qualities that appeared to solidify his place in the NFL. However, in the often harsh realm of professional sports, past performances can quickly become overshadowed by the present.
A Sudden Shift
When the Bengals cut Chrisman in August 2023, it was a move that left many surprised. The subsequent months saw Chrisman in a relentless pursuit of a new NFL home. His journey led him to numerous tryouts, including a notable one with the Washington Commanders on August 13.
Tryouts and Trials
Following his tryout with the Commanders, Chrisman took to social media to share a video detailing his experience. In the video, a particularly striking moment unfolds: a Commanders assistant coach informs Chrisman that the team doesn’t plan to sign him. This transparent glimpse into the brutal realities of NFL tryouts provided fans with a rare behind-the-scenes look.
Legal Entanglements
The candidness of Chrisman’s video, however, wasn’t well-received by everyone. "The Commanders' legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," according to a source. Despite this legal nudge, Chrisman chose to keep the video up, an act of defiance that perhaps underscores the frustration of a player seeking recognition and opportunity.
Contrasting Reactions
Interestingly, this wasn’t Chrisman’s first foray into documenting his tryout experiences. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video showcasing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners’ response—or rather, lack thereof—presents a stark contrast to that of the Commanders, highlighting how different organizations handle such situations.
On the Hunt
Chrisman’s quest didn’t stop there. His professional journey took another turn when he signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL in April. Yet, his stint with the Stallions was short-lived; he was released in May after stepping in for injured punter Colby Wadman. This brief chapter in the UFL was but a small footnote in Chrisman’s ongoing quest to secure a lasting position in professional football.
A Free Agent’s Reality
As of now, Chrisman remains a free agent, his future hanging in the balance. His story is emblematic of the delicate, often precarious nature of professional sports careers. For fans and aspiring athletes alike, Chrisman’s journey serves as a vivid reminder of the resilience and tenacity required to chase one’s dreams in the NFL.
Through social media, Chrisman has offered a raw, unfiltered look into the life of an NFL free agent—a life filled with uncertainty, but also with unwavering determination. Whether or not this transparency will eventually lead him back to an NFL roster remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Drue Chrisman’s narrative is far from over.