Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY, WI (WSAU) – Daniel Whelan, a punter who most recently played for the D.C. Defenders of the XFL, has been signed by the Green Bay Packers.
After playing for UC Davis in college, Whelan signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and played with the New Orleans Saints. The Irish product gives Green Bay a backup punter behind Pat O’Donnell after being chosen All-XFL this spring.
According to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, Whelan started off playing rugby and soccer before being invited to play football as a high school junior after his family immigrated to the United States. He not only punts, but he also has experience kicking off.
Throughout a strong five-year career at UC-Davis, which included three selections to the All-Big Sky team, Whelan averaged 44.0 yards per punt and put 86 of them inside the 20-yard line. He ranked first in the FCS for punting average (46.3 yards) as a redshirt senior in 2021.
According to PFF, Whelan had the highest punter grade during the XFL season. His average hangtime was the best and he placed second in net punting.
Comments