Free-agent punter Drue Chrisman found himself in a media controversy after a recent tryout with the Washington Commanders. Eager to share his experience, Chrisman recorded his workout at the team’s facilities in Landover, Maryland, and posted the footage on social media. However, what seemed like a harmless way to engage with fans quickly turned into an issue over media rights.
The minute-long video, which offered a behind-the-scenes look at Chrisman’s day—from waking up in his hotel room to his punting drills—gained significant traction online, racking up 1.3 million views. Despite the positive reception from fans, the Commanders were apparently less than pleased. Chrisman later revealed a text message he received, presumably from his agent, informing him of the team’s disapproval.
“Drue, Just got a call [from the] Commanders legal dept,” the message read. “[Please] take down all social media posts that show anything Commanders. [Thank you].”
In response to the Commanders’ request, Chrisman posted a screenshot of the message with the caption, “No Fun League,” a play on the NFL’s nickname, “No Fun League,” often used by fans to describe the league’s strict policies. Despite the team’s objections, the video remained live on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram as of Monday afternoon, though TikTok had already removed the clip.
When reached for comment, spokespeople for the Commanders declined to address the situation, leaving the exact reasons for the takedown request unclear. The incident highlights the sometimes contentious relationship between players and teams over control of media content, especially in an era where athletes increasingly document and share their lives with fans through social media.
Chrisman, who previously filmed a similar video after a tryout with the San Francisco 49ers, seemed unfazed by the Commanders’ reaction. Responding to a fan on Instagram, he wrote, “What a joke they think I’d take this down.”
The video itself is fairly innocuous, offering a glimpse into Chrisman’s routine: waking up in a hotel, having breakfast, heading to the tryout, going through measurements, and attempting a few punts. Additionally, the footage showcases Chrisman’s entrepreneurial side as he discreetly hides business cards for his moving company around the Landover area.
The clip ends on a heartwarming note, with Chrisman returning home to a hug from his daughter.
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Chrisman, a Cincinnati native and product of La Salle High School, attended Ohio State before spending two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. After remaining a free agent in 2023, he recently played for the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL.
As of now, the Washington Commanders have Tress Way listed as their kicker and punter, but they may consider adding a dedicated punter to their roster, which could present an opportunity for Chrisman.
This incident underscores the growing tension between athletes’ desire to connect with fans and the strict media policies enforced by professional sports teams.
For Chrisman, it’s a reminder that even the simplest social media post can quickly become a flashpoint in the broader conversation about player rights and media control.
