While the return of the NFL over the weekend was an exciting prospect for American football fans throughout the globe, those in Ireland had an added interest due to the presence of a new punter on the Green Bay Packers roster.
Prior to yesterday, an Irish born player had not played an NFL snap since 1985, when Dubliner Neil O'Donoghue featured for the final time in the league. There have been a few close misses since then, but we were forced to 37 years to see another player from this country feature.
That all came to an end yesterday, when Enniskerry native Daniel Whelan suited up for the Packers in their season opener against division rivals the Chicago Bears.
Green Bay Packers fans impressed by NFL debut of Irish punter
Whelan moved to the United States as a 13-year old, soon taking up American football having previously played rugby and soccer.
He would go on to star at the collegiate level with UC Davis, although he would have to wait a couple of years for an opportunity to play in the NFL.
It would finally come last night, with Whelan at one point producing a booming 67-yard punt to mark his debut.
With this punt for the Green Bay Packers, Daniel Whelan - who was born in Wicklow and moved to California as a teen - became the first Irishborn player in the NFL in 38 years.
Well done, Dan.pic.twitter.com/YevOm59YNk— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 11, 2023
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A brilliant moment.
The American broadcasters certainly played up to the Irish angle in the fixture, with Fox playing a bit of Dropkick Murphys after his first involvement.
Fox dropping The Departed theme for Irish Packers punter Daniel Whelan 🔥🔥😂😂 pic.twitter.com/qKLdwxS1vV
— Jack M Silverstein (@readjack) September 10, 2023
His punting was not the only contribution to the team during the 38-20 victory. The 24-year old also acted as the holder during place kicks, a hugely important role.
He did well in that regard, including for one kick that featured a wayward snap. In all, Packers fans were very impressed with the performance of the Irishman on his debut in the NFL.
I have faith that Whelen will be a great long time Packer after our recent punter carousel the last few years. I'm not biased one bit.
— Bradley Whelen (@BradleyWhelen) September 10, 2023
Anders Carlson ends this first half with his first career field goal. High snap, but handled well by new holder Daniel Whelan, and Carlson splits the uprights from 52 yards. Nicely done from the rookie.#Packers take 10-6 lead into halftime, start second half with the football.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 10, 2023
best opening game in awhile. lafleur switched things up in half 2, love was clutch af, defense and special teams strong all game. this new punter is a booming maniac. #packers
— Umbra Witcher (@Umbra_Witcher) September 10, 2023
daniel whelan has a leg
— CERTIFIED JORDAN LOVER BOY (@t1cklyt0es6969) September 10, 2023
This Daniel Whelan kid is pretty good
— 𝔹𝕣𝕖𝕨𝕞𝕖𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕆𝕫 (@5StarWhiteTrash) September 10, 2023
Daniel Whelan with a 68-yard punt that goes into Chicago's end zone. Still a net of 48. That'll do.
— Wes Hodkiewicz 🌎 (@WesHod) September 10, 2023
Daniel Whelan just hit a 68-yard nuke into the end zone for a touchback
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) September 10, 2023
And what a debut! He’s got probably one of the greatest legs I’ve seen on a punter in a minute!
— Peter Como (@PeterAComo) September 11, 2023
The Green Bay Packers have gone through quite a few punters in recent seasons, although hopes will be high that Daniel Whelan can lock down the position moving forward.
It would be great to see an Irishman in action when we tune into the NFL every weekend over the coming months.
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