Chrisman's Struggles for NFL Return: Inside His Recent Tryouts
Chrisman's Struggles for NFL Return: Inside His Recent Tryouts
Drue Chrisman, known for his tenure as a punter with the Cincinnati Bengals, has been facing an uphill battle to secure a spot in the NFL this season. After being cut by the Bengals in August 2023, Chrisman has been tirelessly aiming for a comeback, trying out for multiple teams over the past year. Most recently, Chrisman’s journey took an interesting turn with the Washington Commanders.
A Frustrating Tryout with the Commanders
Chrisman was invited for a tryout with the Washington Commanders on August 13. Five days later, he released a video detailing his experience during the tryout. In the video, Chrisman shared a candid moment where a Commanders assistant coach informed him that the team had decided not to sign him. This transparency, however, did not sit well with the Commanders’ legal team. They contacted Chrisman, urging him to delete the video. Chrisman, however, decided to keep the video up, standing by his decision to share his experience publicly.
"The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," one source noted, underscoring the tensions between Chrisman and the Commanders over the video.
A Similar Story with the 49ers
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Chrisman had taken to social media to share his tryout experiences. Earlier in the month, he released another video showcasing his attempt with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers did not react to the content Chrisman shared, choosing to remain silent on his public revelations.
These videos shed light on the often opaque world of NFL tryouts, giving fans a rare insider's view into the processes and challenges faced by players fighting for a place on the roster.
A Standout Year with the Bengals
In 2022, Chrisman had a notable year with the Bengals, averaging 42.6 net yards per punt. This impressive statistic placed him 10th overall in the league for that year. Despite this strong performance, the Bengals decided to part ways with Chrisman in August 2023, a decision that has left him navigating the uncertainties of free agency.
Stint with the UFL's Birmingham Stallions
Adding another chapter to his career, Chrisman signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL) in April. His time with the Stallions was short-lived, as he was released in May after stepping in for the injured punter Colby Wadman. Despite this brief engagement, Chrisman is currently without a team, his professional future hanging in the balance.
Determination to Return
Through his videos and public appearances, Chrisman has spotlighted the immense challenges athletes face when striving to return to professional sports after being released. His openness serves as both a plea for another chance and a call for greater transparency from teams in their dealings with hopeful players.
Chrisman remains committed to his goal, demonstrating the resilience and determination that any athlete in his position would need to succeed. As he continues to seek another opportunity in the NFL, fans and fellow athletes alike watch with bated breath, hoping that his perseverance will soon be rewarded with another shot on the field.
