Former local football star Daniel Whelan makes history in NFL debut for Packers
Daniel Whelan made history on Sunday.
5 punts for 249 yards and a long of 68 in a win over your biggest rival on the road! Not a bad debut for a desert high school product! #GoPackGo @KESQ @BaileyKESQ @Jesus_G_Reyes @RMHSAD @RMHSFB @packers @PGPackersNews @packeverywhere https://t.co/R2Ao4aBa9c
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) September 11, 2023
The 24-year-old rookie punter became the eighth valley football player to play in an NFL regular season game. He also became the first Irish-born player to play in the NFL since 1985.
#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 had 5 punts for 249 yards, including a long of 68 yards, in the Packers' 38-20 over the rival Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Check Out: Former Rancho Mirage standout Daniel Whelan named starting punter for Green Bay Packers
CAREER TIMELINE
2014-2017: Rancho Mirage high school
2017-2021: All-American punter for UC-Davis Aggies
2022: Signed with New Orleans Saints as un-drafted free agent, waived on July 26
2023: Played in 10 games for DC Defenders, earned All-XFL honors
2023-Current: Signed with Green Bay Packers, earned spot on 53-man roster as punter/holder
What a journey for rookie Daniel Whelan.
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) August 31, 2023
2014-2017: @RMHSFB former student athlete of the week @KESQ
2017-2021: @UCDfootball All-American
2022: @Saints undrafted FA, cut
2022: @XFLDefenders All-XFL
2023: @packers 53-man roster, starting punter/holder@CodyWKrupp @fox11news pic.twitter.com/FBUmAb9hTC
The Packers (1-0) travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons (1-0) in Week 2. Kickoff is schedule for 10 a.m. PST on FOX.
Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.
