Drue Chrisman, known for his role as a punter, has been navigating the turbulent waters of professional football over the past year. Once a notable player for the Cincinnati Bengals, Chrisman's journey has recently been marked by a series of tryouts, roster cuts, and compelling video content that has caused quite a stir.
Chrisman's NFL Journey
Chrisman spent part of the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, demonstrating substantial skill in his role. During his tenure, he averaged 42.6 net yards per punt, a performance that earned him a commendable rank of 10th overall in the league that year. Despite this strong showing, the Bengals parted ways with Chrisman in August 2023, leaving him in search of a new team.
Since then, Chrisman has been actively seeking opportunities to return to the NFL. His persistence saw him trying out for multiple teams over the past 12 months, including a notable tryout with the Washington Commanders on August 13. Chrisman documented this tryout experience in a video released just five days later.
Controversial Commanders Tryout Video
The video provides an inside look into the often private world of NFL tryouts, featuring a particularly poignant moment where a Commanders assistant coach informs Chrisman that the team doesn't plan to sign him. The transparency and raw emotion captured in the footage resonated with many viewers, but it also caught the attention of the Commanders' legal team.
"The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," notes one source. Despite this request, Chrisman decided to keep the video up, a decision that underscores his commitment to sharing his authentic journey with his audience.
Comparative Response from the 49ers
Interestingly, this wasn't the first time Chrisman had released such content. Earlier in the month, he shared a similar video showcasing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. However, the 49ers did not react to Chrisman's content in the same way the Commanders did. This divergent response highlights the varying approaches NFL teams have towards media and player transparency.
Stint with the Birmingham Stallions
While his NFL pursuits are ongoing, Chrisman also had a brief period with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). Signed in April, he filled in for injured punter Colby Wadman. However, Chrisman was released by the Stallions in May, once again positioning him as a free agent.
Future Prospects
Chrisman remains undeterred in his quest to secure a spot on an NFL roster. His openness in sharing the ups and downs of his journey offers fans and aspiring athletes a rare glimpse into the realities of professional sports. While it remains to be seen where Chrisman will land next, his resilience and willingness to engage with his audience continue to set him apart in the world of professional football.
As the NFL season progresses, the determination and skill Chrisman displayed on the field in 2022 will undoubtedly keep him on the radar of teams looking to bolster their special teams unit. For now, fans and followers alike can only watch and wait to see where Chrisman's path will lead him next.