Punter Drue Chrisman's Eventful Year Seeking NFL Stability
Punter Drue Chrisman's Eventful Year Seeking NFL Stability
In the tumultuous world of professional football, Drue Chrisman finds himself navigating turbulent waters as he seeks a stable position in the NFL. The 26-year-old punter, who spent part of the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, has faced several ups and downs over recent months that highlight both the volatility and the resilience required to remain in professional sports.
From Bengals to Free Agency
Chrisman made a notable impact during his time with the Bengals, averaging 42.6 net yards per punt in 2022, which ranked him 10th overall in the league for that year. Despite this solid performance, the Bengals decided to release him in August 2023, opening a new chapter in Chrisman’s career as he sought to find a new team.
Since then, Chrisman has actively tried out for multiple NFL teams. His quest for a roster spot took him to the Washington Commanders, where he participated in a tryout on August 13. However, the experience did not go as planned.
A Commanding No
In a candid video released by Chrisman five days after his tryout, he shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of his experience with the Commanders. The most poignant moment in the video depicted an assistant coach informing Chrisman that the team had no plans to sign him. This transparent look into his tryout process shed light on the harsh realities professional athletes often face.
The video caught the attention of the Commanders' legal team, who subsequently contacted Chrisman with a request to delete the footage. However, Chrisman chose to leave the video up, risking potential backlash but standing firm in his decision to share his journey openly. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," revealed one source familiar with the situation.
Mixed Reactions
Chrisman’s willingness to document and share his experiences isn't a new phenomenon. Earlier in the month, he posted a similar video detailing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not request the removal of the content, showcasing the varying degrees of openness and media sensitivity across NFL franchises.
A Brief UFL Stint
Amidst these NFL tryouts, Chrisman temporarily found a home with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL) in April. Unfortunately, this tenure proved short-lived; Chrisman stepped in to fill the void left by injured punter Colby Wadman but was released in May upon Wadman’s return to health.
Remaining Unbroken
Despite these setbacks, Chrisman remains adamant in his pursuit of an NFL career. His experiences reflect not just the highly competitive nature of professional football, but also the personal fortitude required to chase one's dreams despite numerous hurdles.
The punter, who remains a free agent, continues to keep his spirits high and his options open. The landscape of professional sports is often unpredictable, and if Chrisman’s journey over the past year is any indication, his resilience and transparency could very well pave the way for new opportunities.
As the NFL season progresses and teams experience shifts in their rosters due to performance fluctuations or injuries, Chrisman’s phone could ring at any moment with another shot to prove his mettle on the field. Until then, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the often unseen struggles faced by athletes vying for their place in the spotlight.
