Drue Chrisman, who served as a punter for the Cincinnati Bengals during part of the 2022 season, finds himself in uncharted waters as an NFL free agent. After being cut in August 2023, Chrisman has since embarked on a journey fraught with trials and tribulations, tirelessly seeking another opportunity in the league.
A Rollercoaster Year
Throughout the past 12 months, Chrisman has had a series of tryouts with various NFL teams. Despite his best efforts, securing a stable position has proven elusive. On August 13, 2023, Chrisman attended a tryout with the Washington Commanders, and subsequently released a video detailing his experience. In a candid moment captured in the footage, a Commanders assistant coach is seen informing Chrisman that the team does not plan to sign him.
Legal Pushback
The Commanders' legal team reportedly reached out to Chrisman, requesting that he take down the video. Nevertheless, Chrisman chose to keep the video up, a decision that underscores his commitment to transparency. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," a source close to the situation revealed.
This incident comes on the heels of another video Chrisman posted earlier in the month, documenting his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. It's worth noting that the 49ers did not react to Chrisman's shared content in the same manner as the Commanders, showing a disparate approach across different organizations in handling public disclosures by free agents.
Chrisman's NFL Track Record
During his tenure with the Bengals in 2022, Chrisman performed admirably, averaging 42.6 net yards per punt, which ranked him 10th overall in the league that year. Despite this solid performance, the Bengals released Chrisman in August 2023, leaving him to navigate the uncertain waters of NFL free agency.
A Brief Stint in the UFL
Chrisman's pursuit of his punting career extended beyond the NFL, as he signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL) in April. Unfortunately, this opportunity was short-lived. Chrisman was released in May after filling in for the injured punter Colby Wadman. With his stint in the UFL behind him, Chrisman remains a free agent, continuing his quest for stability in his professional career.
While the road has been anything but smooth for Chrisman, his unyielding determination to document his journey and his commitment to finding a new team demonstrates a resilience admired by those who follow his story. The future may be uncertain, but Chrisman's resolve remains unwavering as he seeks to secure the next chapter in his punting career.