Chrisman’s NFL Journey: A Punter's Pursuit for a New Home
Chrisman’s NFL Journey: A Punter's Pursuit for a New Home
Drue Chrisman, the former Cincinnati Bengals punter, has been navigating the turbulent waters of NFL free agency with unwavering determination. After spending a portion of the 2022 season with the Bengals, where he ranked 10th in the league with an average of 42.6 net yards per punt, Chrisman found himself released in August 2023.
A Series of Tryouts
Post-release, Chrisman embarked on a quest to secure a new position in the NFL, trying out for multiple teams over the past year. Most notably, on August 13, he received an invite to try out with the Washington Commanders. Displaying his typical resilience and transparency, Chrisman documented his experience and released a video detailing the tryout on August 18.
The video provided an unfiltered glimpse into the pressures and realities faced by an NFL free agent. It included a poignant moment where a Commanders assistant coach informed Chrisman that the team had no plans to sign him. Despite the setback, Chrisman’s candid portrayal of the tryout struck a chord with many viewers.
The Commanders' Response
However, the Washington Commanders' reaction to the video was swift and severe. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," according to one source. Despite the request, Chrisman chose to stand his ground, keeping the video up. This move underscored the growing tension between players' rights to share their personal narratives and teams' desires to control internal operations.
Contrasting Reactions
Interestingly, this was not the first video Chrisman had released regarding his tryout experiences. Earlier in the month, he shared a similar video showcasing his efforts with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not issue any public or private objections to the content Chrisman shared. This disparity in response highlights the differing philosophies within NFL teams regarding transparency and media presence.
A Free Agent Once More
Chrisman’s journey did not end with the NFL. In April, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL) as a replacement for injured punter Colby Wadman. Although he was released by the Stallions in May, his brief stint with the team provided him with additional professional exposure and game-time opportunities.
Despite these setbacks, Chrisman remains a free agent, his story emblematic of the relentless drive and resilience required to thrive at the professional level. His social media presence and forthrightness have not only kept fans in the loop but have also highlighted the often unseen challenges athletes face in their professional journeys.
Looking Ahead
The path forward for Chrisman is uncertain yet hopeful. As he continues to seek new opportunities within the NFL, his story serves as a reminder of the perseverance needed to achieve one’s goals amidst the unpredictable landscape of professional sports. Whether or not he finds a new team in the coming months, Drue Chrisman’s relentless pursuit of his dreams remains an inspiring saga in the world of football.
