Drue Chrisman's Pursuit of an NFL Return: A Season of Highs and Lows
Drue Chrisman's Pursuit of an NFL Return: A Season of Highs and Lows
Drue Chrisman, widely known in the NFL as a punter, had a turbulent journey in 2022 with the Cincinnati Bengals. After displaying a commendable performance, wherein he averaged 42.6 net yards per punt, ranking him 10th in the league, Chrisman’s professional journey took an unexpected turn in August 2023 when the Bengals decided to part ways with him.
Search for a New Opportunity
Since his departure from the Bengals, Chrisman has been on an intensive pursuit to secure a new spot in the NFL. Over the past 12 months, he has participated in multiple tryouts, expressing his unwavering determination to return to the league. Among these efforts, a significant moment came on August 13, when Chrisman was invited to try out with the Washington Commanders.
In an interesting twist, Chrisman documented his experience with the Commanders in a video released five days after the tryout. This transparency offered fans and followers an inside look at the often unseen side of professional football tryouts.
A Disappointing Outcome
During the tryout, an assistant coach from the Commanders informed Chrisman that the team did not plan to sign him. Despite the disheartening news, Chrisman decided to share this candid moment in his video. The response from the Commanders' legal team was swift; they contacted Chrisman and requested that he delete the footage. This interaction, according to a source, was quite straightforward: "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it." However, Chrisman chose to keep the video up, standing by his decision to provide an authentic glimpse into his journey.
A Different Reaction from the 49ers
Interestingly, this wasn't the first time Chrisman shared such personal content. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video showcasing his tryout experience with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not react negatively to the content Chrisman shared, allowing the video to remain without issue. This contrast in reactions from two major NFL teams underscores the varying approaches organizations can have regarding their internal processes being publicly shared.
Brief Stint with the Birmingham Stallions
In April, Chrisman ventured into the United Football League (UFL) by signing with the Birmingham Stallions. However, his time with the Stallions was short-lived. After stepping in for injured punter Colby Wadman, Chrisman was released in May, once Wadman was fit to return. This brief stint adds another layer to Chrisman's challenging year as he navigates the professional football landscape.
Current Status
As of now, Drue Chrisman remains a free agent, persevering in his quest to find a new team and continue his professional career. His experiences over the past year highlight the uncertainty and resilience required in the world of professional sports. Chrisman's openness in sharing his journey has not only provided a unique perspective for fans but has also sparked discussions about the transparency and challenges faced by athletes striving to secure their dreams.
Chrisman's story is a testament to the relentless pursuit of athletic excellence and the often unpredictable nature of a career in professional sports. Whether or not another NFL team will recognize his talent and afford him another opportunity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Chrisman's dedication and resilience will continue to drive him forward.
