Drue Chrisman Opens Up About His Journey to Secure an NFL Job
Drue Chrisman Opens Up About His Journey to Secure an NFL Job
Drue Chrisman, a punter who spent part of the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, has been navigating the turbulent waters of free agency. After being released by the Bengals in August 2023, Chrisman has been on a quest to secure a new NFL job, trying out for multiple teams over the past twelve months.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Chrisman, who ranked 10th overall in the league in 2022 with an average of 42.6 net yards per punt, found himself cut from the Bengals roster in August 2023. This release marked the beginning of a series of tryouts with various NFL teams as Chrisman sought to prove his worth and earn a spot on a new team.
Among these tryouts was an opportunity with the Washington Commanders on August 13. Five days later, Chrisman released a video detailing his experience. The video captures not only the behind-the-scenes moments of his tryout but also a candid revelation from a Commanders assistant coach, who informed Chrisman that the team did not plan to sign him.
A Conflict with the Commanders
The release of this video did not sit well with the Commanders. According to one source, "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it." Despite this request, Chrisman chose to keep the video up, showcasing his transparency and commitment to documenting his journey.
Interestingly, this was not the first video Chrisman had shared about his tryout experiences. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video following his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not request the removal of the content, indicating differing approaches among NFL teams regarding public disclosures by players.
A Temporary Stint with the UFL
After his tenure with the Bengals, Chrisman briefly joined the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). Signing with the Stallions in April, Chrisman filled in for injured punter Colby Wadman. However, his stint was short-lived as he was released by the Stallions in May, leaving Chrisman once again in search of a permanent role.
The Road Ahead
As of now, Chrisman remains a free agent, continuing to pursue any and all opportunities that come his way. His openness about his experiences, as evidenced by his videos, has shed light on the often unseen struggles that athletes face when attempting to secure a spot in professional sports.
Chrisman's story is a testament to perseverance in the face of setbacks. The sports world will be watching to see where this resilient punter will land next, and whether his transparency and candid approach will pave the way for future opportunities.
