Chrisman's Roller-Coaster Journey Through NFL Tryouts
Chrisman's Roller-Coaster Journey Through NFL Tryouts
Drue Chrisman, once a promising punter for the Cincinnati Bengals, has found himself navigating the uncertain waters of free agency since being cut in August 2023. Chrisman's journey through the NFL tryout circuit has been tumultuous, to say the least.
A Series of Trials and Tribulations
Chrisman’s professional trajectory took a downturn when the Cincinnati Bengals released him in August 2023. Despite this setback, he remained undeterred in his quest to secure a new NFL spot. His perseverance led him to try out for multiple teams, including a tryout with the Washington Commanders on August 13, 2023.
Chrisman, known for his transparency and candid nature, documented his tryout experience with the Commanders in a video released five days after his audition. The video offered an unvarnished look at his experience, capturing a poignant moment where a Commanders assistant coach informs him that the team does not plan to sign him.
Controversy with the Commanders
Unsurprisingly, the raw honesty of Chrisman's video didn’t sit well with everyone. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," one source noted. Despite the request, Chrisman chose to keep the video up. This decision has sparked conversations about the dynamics between NFL teams and players, especially regarding transparency and player autonomy in sharing their personal experiences.
A Different Reaction from the 49ers
Interestingly, this wasn’t Chrisman's first venture into documenting his tryouts. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video showcasing his experience with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not react negatively to the content he shared. This discrepancy in reactions between teams highlights varying organizational cultures and approaches to media and public relations within the NFL.
A Look Back at 2022
Reflecting on Chrisman's time with the Bengals, it’s essential to note his achievements during the 2022 season when he averaged 42.6 net yards per punt, ranking him 10th overall in the league. This statistic underscores his potential and skill as a punter, offering a glimpse into why he continues to be relentless in his efforts to find a new team.
Stint with the Birmingham Stallions
In his bid to stay active and ready for an NFL return, Chrisman signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL) in April. However, his time with the Stallions was short-lived as he was released in May after filling in for injured punter Colby Wadman.
The Road Ahead
Now, as a free agent, Chrisman remains hopeful. His journey highlights the volatile nature of professional sports where talent, timing, and opportunity must align perfectly. As he continues to seek an NFL job, Chrisman's story serves as a testament to resilience and determination.
In an age where athletes' personal stories increasingly resonate with fans, Drue Chrisman’s candid approach to sharing his experiences offers a refreshing perspective. Whether he finds himself back on an NFL roster soon or continues to explore other opportunities, Chrisman’s transparency has certainly left its mark on the football community.
