Punter Drue Chrisman's Journey: Trials and Tribulations
Punter Drue Chrisman's Journey: Trials and Tribulations
Drue Chrisman, once a promising punter for the Cincinnati Bengals, is navigating the challenging waters of staying relevant in the NFL. He spent part of the 2022 season with the Bengals, demonstrating his skills with an average of 42.6 net yards per punt, enough to rank him 10th overall in the league. However, the subsequent turn of events has been anything but smooth for the young athlete.
Chrisman found himself cut from the Bengals in August 2023. Since then, he has been fervently searching for a new team, his journey marked by numerous tryouts over the past 12 months. One of these tryouts occurred recently with the Washington Commanders.
Video Chronicles: A Window into Chrisman's Struggle
On August 13, Chrisman was invited for a tryout with the Commanders. Eager to share his experiences and perhaps provide a transparent look into the life of a professional athlete in search of a job, Chrisman released a video detailing his tryout experience five days later. This video includes a poignant moment where a Commanders assistant coach candidly informs Chrisman that the team doesn't plan to sign him.
The transparency and openness of Chrisman's video, however, did not sit well with everyone. The Commanders' legal team promptly contacted him, requesting that he delete the video. It’s unclear what specific issues the team had with the content, but their reaction was a stark contrast to the laissez-faire approach taken by the San Francisco 49ers. Chrisman had released a similar video earlier that month showcasing his tryout with the 49ers, who did not react to the shared content in the same manner.
"The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," one source reveals. Yet, Chrisman held his ground, deciding to keep the video up despite the Commanders' request.
A Former Bengal in the Free Agent Wilderness
Following his exit from the Bengals, Chrisman signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL in April as an interim solution, stepping in for the injured punter Colby Wadman. His tenure with the Stallions was short-lived; he was released by the team in May. This transitional role was a brief respite in an otherwise turbulent period of his career.
As it stands, Chrisman remains a free agent. His persistence in documenting his journey, coupled with the mixed reactions from NFL teams, spotlight the often unseen struggles professional athletes face off the field. Chrisman's willingness to share his setbacks and perseverance publicly could well resonate with many aspiring athletes and fans. His story is one of resilience, albeit punctuated by uncertainty and the harsh realities of professional sports.
The varying responses from different NFL teams to Chrisman's videos raise critical questions about transparency and image management in professional sports. For now, football enthusiasts and industry watchers alike will be keeping a close eye on Chrisman's next move, with hopes that his skills will soon find the right platform.
