Daniel Whelan becomes the first Irishman to feature in the NFL since 1985

The Wicklow native took to the field for the Green Bay Packers in their 38-20 victory against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Mon, 11 Sep, 2023 - 10:08

Andrew Horgan

Daniel Whelan has become the first Irishman to feature in the NFL since 1985 as he lined out for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Whelan, who grew up in Enniskerry, was the Packer's starting punter and helped them record a 38-20 victory in their opening game of the season against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

The Wicklow native moved to California when he was 13 and he quickly excelled at American Football once he made the switch from soccer in High School and he started as a punter for UC Davis from 2017 until 2021.

#Packers punter @dan__whelan becomes the first Irish-born player to play in the NFL since 1985 🇮🇪🏈#GBvsCHI | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/KeiRUCVgtN
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 10, 2023

Whelan then signed for the New Orleans Saints as a free agent last year but he was ultimately released before their season started.

He played with the DC Defenders in the XFL earlier in 2023 before being picked up by the Packers this summer following a number of impressive performance in pre-season.

Back in August Green Bay unexpectedly released veteran Pat O'Donnell, leaving Whelan as the sole punter on their entire 53 man roster.

In front of his watching family on Sunday, the talented kicker became the first Irishman to play in the NFL since Dublin-born Niall O'Donoghue lined out for the St Louis Cardinals in 1985.

And in an interview recently with the Packers official website, he described how his mother was helping him prepare for his debut by throwing him snaps so he could practice his holds.

"They're not good but it helps you work on bad-ball drills," Whelan joked regarding his mom's efforts.

"Just on my knee in the kitchen. She's throwing whatever she can. 'Hey mom, can you throw me some snaps? I need to get some holds in.' And she'd do it."

Dan Whelan’s family about to head to Soldier Field to witness Dan making history - he will become the first Irish born active player in the NFL in 38 years this evening.

📸: @AMTWhelan pic.twitter.com/BRv3gY5JiE
— Pro Football Ireland (@NFLIreland) September 10, 2023

Whelan would then describe how he was feeling as the prospect of receiving his first snap in the NFL against the Bears in Chicago loomed.

"I've already tried to visualize it, where it's going to be, so I can get my best punt," he added.

"It's good to be nervous. You can't not be. It's the first regular-season game of the season against Chicago. It's crazy. Can't ask for a better picture."