Former Rancho Mirage standout Daniel Whelan named starting punter for Green Bay Packers
Daniel Whelan has done it.
The former Rancho Mirage football standout has earned a roster spot in the NFL and will be the starting punter for the Green Bay Packers.
Earned not given. 💪💯
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) August 30, 2023
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on starting punter Daniel Whelan earning the starting job. 🦵🏈
Thanks to @CodyWKrupp @fox11news for sending the goods! 🎙️🧀@KESQ @PGPackersNews @packeverywhere @ThePackersWire @RMHSAD @Qassignmentdesk @packers @RMHSFB pic.twitter.com/QrEsya0kR3
Whelan earned the position over longtime veteran specialist Pat O'Donnell who was released by the Packers, signaling Whelan had won the job.
#Packers release P Pat O'Donnell https://t.co/CpwLHVr2Wq
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 28, 2023
The 24-year-old rookie Whelan is making history in the process, set to become the first Irish-born NFL player since Neil O'Donoghue in 1985.
Daniel Whelan makes the @packers initial 53-man roster. He's within touching distance of becoming the first Irish-born NFL player in 38 years! Congrats Daniel! 👏🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/eXw9OfbI7f
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) August 29, 2023
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
#RATTLEUP🐍 pic.twitter.com/Y9ghys189d
— Coach Matthews (@RMHSFB) August 30, 2023
Our very own @dan__whelan has made the @packers initial 53-man roster. #GoAgs | @ucdavisaggies https://t.co/yuf4lzDMuk
— UC Davis Football (@UCDfootball) August 29, 2023
Whelan will wear No. 19 for the Packers.
Green Bay Packers P Daniel Whelan is now wearing number 19. Last worn by Elijah Hamilton. #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/ahgVC4laMY
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) September 1, 2023
Green Bay begins their season against the rival Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sep. 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:25 p.m PST.
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
Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.
