Chrisman Navigates Uncertain NFL Waters After Bengals Departure
Chrisman Navigates Uncertain NFL Waters After Bengals Departure
Drue Chrisman, a talented punter who spent part of the 2022 NFL season with the Cincinnati Bengals, finds himself in the tumultuous journey of job hunting within the league. After being released by the Bengals in August 2023, Chrisman has been on a relentless quest for a new team, auditioning for multiple clubs over the past year.
Tryouts and Tribulations
On August 13, Chrisman was invited to try out with the Washington Commanders. Five days later, he released a video detailing his experience with the team, including a revealing moment where a Commanders assistant coach informed him that they did not plan to sign him. “The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it,” according to one source. Despite this request, Chrisman chose to keep the video online.
This isn't the first time Chrisman has documented his tryout experiences. Earlier in the month, he shared another video showcasing his audition with the San Francisco 49ers. Notably, the 49ers did not react to his content in the same way as the Commanders, allowing the video to remain public without issue.
Performance and Release
Chrisman’s performance with the Bengals in 2022 was commendable — he averaged 42.6 net yards per punt, ranking 10th overall in the league that year. However, this wasn't enough to secure his position, leading to his release in August 2023.
Prior to his recent NFL tryouts, Chrisman signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL) in April. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Stallions was short-lived as he was released in May after filling in for an injured punter, Colby Wadman.
Remaining Resilient
Despite facing numerous setbacks, Chrisman remains a free agent, persistently working to secure a spot on an NFL roster. His transparency through video documentation offers a unique glimpse into the often unspoken realities of professional athletes fighting for their careers. It highlights both the emotional and practical challenges faced by players on the fringe of professional football.
The varied reactions to Chrisman’s videos between different NFL teams also underscore the complex landscape of team communications and public relations. While the Commanders took a more conservative approach by requesting the video’s removal, the 49ers seemed more accommodating or indifferent to its content.
As Chrisman continues his journey, it remains to be seen which team will provide him with the next opportunity. For now, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the dedication and resilience required to pursue a career in professional sports.
