Take a look: Daniel Whelan, hailing from Wicklow, discusses XFL, NFL, and his punting ambitions for the Packers
It would be hard to find many NFL players who keenly follow both the Champions League prospects of Newcastle United and Ireland’s Rugby World Cup odds.
Dan Whelan, however, is not your average NFL player.
“I’m a fan of practically all sports. Except baseball, that is. I’d opt for cricket over baseball any day,” Whelan, the potential punter for the Green Bay Packers, chuckles.
“My support goes to Newcastle United – my father’s team – and their long-awaited appearance in the Champions League is momentous.
“I also root for Ireland in rugby. Their Six Nations victory was monumental, and with the World Cup on the horizon, I’ll definitely be tuned in.”
Much like the Irish rugby team, which is hoping for their first World Cup win in France this year, Whelan is on the brink of making history.
At 23 years old, Whelan aspires to be the first Irish-born player in the NFL since Neil O’Donoghue’s tenure with the St Louis Cardinals in 1985.
Born in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Whelan moved to Palm Springs, California, when he was just 13. His transition from soccer to American football began in high school, where he started as a kicker, eventually becoming a punter during his time at the University of California, Davis.
Standing at 6ft 6in and weighing 15st 5lb (98kg), Whelan is imposing and doesn’t hesitate to showcase his robust kicking strength on social media, whether it’s a notable 73-yard field goal or an out-of-the-park punt.
“Given my stature, being a kicker is slightly challenging, so I was recommended to switch to punting,” Whelan discloses.
“That involves a different leg-swing technique. It took me some time to adapt, but I eventually got the hang of it.”
In March, Whelan represented the DC Defenders, punting against the St Louis Battlehawks during the first half of an XFL match.
Whelan’s prodigious leg and his mastery of hang time – the ability to keep the ball airborne with distance, aiding his ‘special teams’ colleagues in maximizing territory – make him a noteworthy prospect for any NFL team.
His exemplary performance in college, with an average punt distance of 44 yards, earned him early attention from the NFL.
The New Orleans Saints provided him an opportunity for a try-out a little over a year ago. Despite being cut before the season started, Whelan shares that the experience was a valuable lesson.
“I unquestionably took it lightly,” he concedes.
“I wasn’t aware of how swiftly it could end and had to learn the hard way. Now, as I enter Green Bay, I’m committed to giving my best at every opportunity.
“Instead of looking far ahead, I focus on improving a bit each day. If I maintain this mindset, I think I’ll stand a decent chance to play.”
Following a stellar season with the DC Defenders in the XFL, a minor professional league, Whelan, who ranked third in his position and led the league in hang time, is now aiming for a permanent position with Green Bay, with hopes to become the first Irish-born NFL player in close to 40 years.
But to achieve this, he’ll have to outperform Pat O’Donnell, a seasoned player with nine NFL seasons, initially with the Chicago Bears and recently with the Packers.
Whelan, however, perceives it differently.
“My real competition is with myself, striving to be the best version of me. Pat has proven to be one of the finest punters in the league and will likely be remembered as one of the greats.
“Interestingly, he’s the same size as me, so I used to study his game in college. Being here in Green Bay with him now feels incredible. And he’s an awesome guy too.
“I’m truly grateful for this opportunity.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dan Whelan NFL Journey
Who is Dan Whelan?
Dan Whelan is an Irish-born football player who aspires to become a punter for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL.
What makes Dan Whelan’s journey to the NFL unique?
Whelan’s journey is unique as he aims to become the first Irish-born player in the NFL since Neil O’Donoghue in 1985.
Which sports teams does Dan Whelan follow?
Dan Whelan is a supporter of Newcastle United in the Champions League and also follows the Ireland rugby team.
How did Dan Whelan transition from soccer to American football?
Whelan made his initial transition from soccer to American football at high school, starting as a kicker and eventually becoming a punter at the University of California, Davis.
What challenges did Dan Whelan face in his transition to American football?
One of the major challenges Whelan faced was adapting his leg-swing technique when he shifted from being a kicker to a punter.
What team did Dan Whelan play for in the XFL?
Dan Whelan had an impressive season with the DC Defenders in the XFL, a minor professional league.
Who does Dan Whelan have to outperform to secure a position in Green Bay?
To secure a permanent position with Green Bay, Whelan must outperform Pat O’Donnell, a seasoned player with nine NFL seasons.
More about Dan Whelan NFL Journey
- Dan Whelan’s journey to the NFL
- History of Irish players in the NFL
- Profile of Green Bay Packers
- Overview of the XFL
- Profile of Pat O’Donnell
- Information about Neil O’Donoghue
5 comments
Dan Whelan to the packers? Hope he makes it. Need a new favorite punter, lol.
go on lad! Make us proud back home. Didn’t know there’s a guy from Wicklow playing american football, amazing stuff!
Its not often you see a lad from Enniskerry in the NFL! Best of luck to him.
Rugby, Soccer, and now NFL, Ireland’s got it all! dan seems a good bloke hope he does well.
who knew we had a lad in the XFL? Now aiming for the NFL?? Go on Dan show em what you got.