Former Cincinnati Bengals punter Drue Chrisman has found himself navigating the unpredictable currents of the NFL job market since his release from the team in August 2023. Despite his commendable performance in the 2022 season, during which he averaged 42.6 net yards per punt and ranked 10th overall in the league, Chrisman has faced numerous challenges in securing a new position.
After parting ways with the Bengals, Chrisman has been relentless in his pursuit of another NFL opportunity. Over the past 12 months, he has tried out for multiple teams, showcasing his skills and hoping to catch the attention of team scouts and coaches. One of the notable tryouts was with the Washington Commanders on August 13.
A Frustrating Tryout with the Commanders
In a candid move, Chrisman released a video detailing his tryout experience with the Commanders just five days after the event. The video offers an inside look at the highs and lows of his journey, culminating in a poignant moment where an assistant coach informs him that the team doesn’t plan to sign him. This honest glimpse into his professional trials underscores the competitive nature of the NFL.
However, the video did not sit well with the Commanders' organization. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," according to one source. Despite this request, Chrisman, valuing transparency and perhaps hoping to connect with fans on a more personal level, chose to keep the video online.
Comparisons with the 49ers Tryout
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Chrisman had shared such behind-the-scenes content. Earlier in August, he had released a similar video about his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not ask Chrisman to remove his video, demonstrating a more relaxed approach to his public sharing.
Chrisman’s transparency in documenting his tryout experiences highlights the contrasting attitudes within NFL teams regarding public disclosures. While some may see it as a breach of internal protocols, others might view it as a harmless and engaging way for players to connect with fans.
A Brief Stint in the UFL
The challenges of securing an NFL position have not deterred Chrisman from continuing his career in football. In April, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL), filling in for injured punter Colby Wadman. However, this stint was short-lived as Chrisman was released by the Stallions in May after Wadman’s return to health.
Current Status and Future Endeavors
Currently, Drue Chrisman remains a free agent, continuing to look for opportunities to bring his punting prowess back to the field. His journey underscores the volatile nature of professional sports careers, where even a player with impressive statistics can find himself without a team due to the business aspects of the league.
As Chrisman perseveres, his journey is emblematic of the resilience and tenacity required to navigate the professional sports landscape. Undoubtedly, he remains hopeful that his next opportunity is just around the corner.