Drue Chrisman's Journey: A Season of Trials and Tribulations
Drue Chrisman's Journey: A Season of Trials and Tribulations
For professional athletes, the path to success is often littered with challenges and setbacks. This is a reality that Drue Chrisman, a punter who spent part of the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, knows all too well. After being cut from the Bengals in August 2023, Chrisman has been navigating the arduous journey of securing a new job in the NFL.
The Cincinnati Bengals Era
Chrisman’s tenure with the Bengals was highlighted by noteworthy performance. In 2022, he achieved an average of 42.6 net yards per punt, landing him 10th overall in the league. Despite his competent performance, the Bengals decided to release him in August 2023, pushing him back into the uncertain waters of free agency.
On the Hunt for a New Team
Since his release, Chrisman has been proactive in trying to find a new team. Over the past 12 months, he has tried out for multiple NFL teams, aiming to prove his worth once again and reclaim a spot on the roster. Notably, on August 13, 2023, Chrisman was invited to trial with the Washington Commanders.
His experience with the Commanders became a public narrative when Chrisman released a video detailing his tryout. Five days after his tryout, a video surfaced where a Commanders assistant coach informed him that the team did not plan to sign him. This moment, capturing the raw and often unseen reality of NFL tryouts, resonated with many viewers.
Contentious Footage
The release of the video, however, was not without controversy. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," one source reported. Nevertheless, Chrisman decided to keep the video up, standing by his decision to share his journey with his audience.
In contrast, Chrisman had released a similar video earlier in the month showcasing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Interestingly, the 49ers did not react to the content in the same way as the Commanders, perhaps indicating different organizational policies and attitudes toward media exposure by prospective players.
From the NFL to the UFL
While his NFL prospects remain uncertain, Chrisman briefly found an opportunity outside of the NFL. In April, he signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). Unfortunately, his stint with the Stallions was short-lived. After filling in for the injured punter Colby Wadman, Chrisman was released in May, leaving him a free agent once again.
The Road Ahead
Currently, Drue Chrisman remains a free agent, continuing his quest to secure a spot with an NFL team. His journey highlights not only the physical and mental fortitude required to pursue a career in professional sports but also the relentless perseverance needed to overcome setbacks.
In the high-stakes arena of the NFL, where careers can be made and unmade in the blink of an eye, Chrisman's story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required to keep moving forward, regardless of the obstacles. Whether he finds his next opportunity on the field or off, Chrisman’s transparent sharing of his experiences brings to light the human side of the game, one tryout at a time.
