In the high-stakes world of professional sports, the journey to secure and maintain an NFL roster spot is a labyrinthine endeavor fraught with trials and tribulations. For Drue Chrisman, this journey has been particularly tumultuous over the past year. Once a punter for the Cincinnati Bengals, Chrisman found himself cut from the team in August 2023, thrusting him into the unpredictable waters of free agency. Despite his efforts, which included multiple tryouts with various NFL teams, a new contract has remained elusive.
Ups and Downs with NFL Teams
Chrisman’s journey to reclaim an NFL slot has seen a flurry of activity. Most notably, his recent experiences with the Washington Commanders and the San Francisco 49ers illustrate the highs and lows of his quest. On August 13, Chrisman attended a tryout with the Commanders, an opportunity that he subsequently detailed in a candid video released five days later. The video captured an assistant coach from the Commanders delivering the unfortunate news that the team did not intend to sign him. This professional yet personal glimpse into the cutthroat nature of NFL tryouts is rare, and it drew significant attention from both fans and insiders.
However, this transparency came with its own set of challenges. “The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it,” revealed one source, reflecting the tense aftermath of the video’s publication. Nonetheless, Chrisman decided to keep the video online, standing firm despite the Commanders’ official request. This move underscores not only Chrisman’s determination but also his willingness to shed light on the behind-the-scenes realities of NFL tryouts.
Contrast with the 49ers' Response
Interestingly, a similar video released by Chrisman earlier in August, detailing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers, did not elicit the same response. The 49ers appeared unperturbed by Chrisman’s public chronicling of his experience, highlighting an intriguing disparity in how NFL teams handle media exposure by fringe players. This variance in reaction may suggest differing organizational cultures or varying thresholds for media sensitivity among teams, adding another layer of complexity to Chrisman’s already challenging situation.
Chrisman’s Punting Prowess
Chrisman’s on-field performances provide a compelling case for his retention in the league. During the 2022 season with the Bengals, he averaged an impressive 42.6 net yards per punt, a statistic that placed him 10th overall in the league. Despite these commendable numbers, the Bengals opted to release him in August 2023—a move that likely reflects the harsh and often unpredictable nature of NFL roster decisions.
Attempting to diversify his professional opportunities, Chrisman signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL) in April. Although his time with the Stallions was short-lived—he was released in May after filling in for the injured Colby Wadman—it demonstrated Chrisman’s adaptability and relentless pursuit of his career goals.
The Uncertain Road Ahead
As Chrisman remains a free agent, his journey symbolizes the broader struggles faced by many athletes striving to maintain their professional status. His tryouts and subsequent releases are reminders of the precarious nature of an NFL career, where even impressive past performances offer no guarantees for the future. The contrast in how the Commanders and 49ers responded to his videos further emphasizes the unpredictable and multifaceted landscape Chrisman must navigate.
In the end, the path for Drue Chrisman is one filled with resilience and candid transparency about the intricacies of professional sports. Whether his persistence will eventually land him another spot in the NFL remains uncertain. For now, his journey serves as a poignant example of the resolve necessary to chase—and hopefully achieve—the elusive dream of a stable professional football career.