Drue Chrisman’s Roller-Coaster Journey: From NFL Dreams to Navigating Legal Requests
Drue Chrisman, an adept punter formerly with the Cincinnati Bengals, has faced a handful of professional challenges that have marked significant turns in his football career. Spending part of the 2022 season with the Bengals, Chrisman held his own on the field, averaging 42.6 net yards per punt and ranking tenth overall in the league. Despite his performance, Chrisman was cut from the Bengals’ roster in August 2023, setting off a series of trials and auditions in his quest to reclaim a spot in the NFL.
Chrisman's journey post-Bengals has been tumultuous to say the least. Immediately after his release, he began trying out for various teams, with each opportunity carrying its own set of hopes and, eventually, disappointments.
Tryouts and Tribulations
On August 13, Chrisman attended a tryout with the Washington Commanders. Embodying the spirit of a dedicated professional, Chrisman later shared his tryout experience in a candid video posted online. The video, released five days after the tryout, includes a poignant moment where a Commanders assistant coach frankly informs Chrisman that the team does not plan to sign him. This unfiltered peek behind the curtain resonated with many viewers, offering a rare glimpse into the less-glamorous aspects of professional sports auditions.
However, this transparency came at a cost. The Commanders’ legal team contacted Chrisman, urging him to delete the video. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," an inside source remarked. Despite their request, Chrisman decided to keep the video online, a testament to his commitment to sharing his authentic journey with his followers.
A Different Outcome in San Francisco
This wasn’t the first time Chrisman had taken to social media to document his tryouts. Earlier in the month, he posted a similar video detailing his experience with the San Francisco 49ers. Interestingly, the 49ers did not react to Chrisman's content in the same stringent manner as the Commanders, offering a stark contrast in how teams manage their interactions with free agents. Despite both tryouts not culminating in a job, Chrisman’s willingness to share these personal and professional moments with the public remains unwavering.
From NFL to UFL and Back Again
After parting ways with the Bengals, Chrisman briefly found solace with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL in April, stepping in for the injured punter, Colby Wadman. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Stallions was short-lived as he was released in May. Now a free agent once more, Chrisman continues to chase his passion, demonstrating resilience and perseverance at every turn.
Into the Future
Despite the setbacks, Chrisman’s journey is far from over. His skill on the field has been proven, and his transparent approach to sharing his experiences has earned him respect and support from fans and peers alike. Whether he will secure a spot on an NFL roster again remains uncertain, but his determination to keep pushing forward is undeniable.
As Chrisman remains a free agent, one thing is clear: his love for the game and his tenacity in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration, shedding light on the often overlooked challenges that professional athletes endure. For now, Chrisman’s story continues to unfold, offering a narrative woven with both the struggles and triumphs inherent to a career in professional sports.