Drue Chrisman, a punter who spent part of the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals, has been on a relentless quest for an NFL job since being cut in August 2023. Despite his skills and prior experience, Chrisman has found it challenging to secure a new contract, even though he has tried out for multiple teams over the past 12 months.
A Rollercoaster of Tryouts
On August 13 of this year, Chrisman was invited to a tryout with the Washington Commanders. Five days later, he released a video that offered an intimate look at what he experienced during that day. In the video, Chrisman details the rigorous process a punter goes through during a tryout, providing what has been described as "a 90-second version of 'Hard Knocks.'" The video also features a candid moment where a Commanders assistant coach informs Chrisman that the team doesn't plan to sign him.
Though his video was informative and insightful, it did not sit well with everyone. In particular, the Commanders' legal team was not a fan. "The Commanders legal team apparently called up Chrisman and asked him to delete it," one source noted. Despite their request, Chrisman has kept the video up, and it remains accessible two days after the initial confrontation.
Balancing Transparency and Professionalism
Chrisman's attempt to document his journey did find traction in some corners, but it also blurred the lines of professional conduct in the eyes of some teams, particularly Washington. The legal scramble following the video post indicates a delicate balance between transparency for fans and maintaining confidentiality for organizations. Chrisman prominently featured two business cards for Pink Zebra moving in his video, an interesting footnote to the entire saga, but it further complicated the situation for the Commanders.
Interestingly, this was not Chrisman’s first venture into vlogging his tryout experiences. Earlier in the month, he released a similar video showcasing his tryout with the San Francisco 49ers. Unlike the Commanders, the 49ers appeared indifferent to the content Chrisman shared. This disparity between team reactions only adds to the complexity of navigating personal branding and professional opportunities within the NFL.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Chrisman’s journey through the NFL has been a series of highs and lows. In 2022, he played as the Bengals' punter for seven games, where he averaged an impressive 42.6 net yards per punt, ranking 10th overall in the league that year. Despite his strong performance, the Bengals released him in August 2023.
Seeking continuity in his career, Chrisman signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL in April. His stint with the Stallions, however, was short-lived. Filling in for injured punter Colby Wadman, Chrisman was released once Wadman recovered in May.
Looking Forward
The path to securing a more permanent position in the NFL remains an ongoing challenge for Chrisman. While his videos provide an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at what many players experience, they also raise questions about professionalism and privacy. Regardless, Chrisman’s dedication and persistence in pursuing his dreams continue to be evident.
As Chrisman navigates this turbulent period in his career, only time will tell how teams and the league at large will view his candid approach to sharing his journey. For now, he remains a free agent, showcasing the highs and lows of an athlete striving for a second chance in the high-stakes world of professional football.