From Enniskerry to Lambeau Field: A Remarkable Journey

Green Bay Packers punter Daniel Whelan, originally from Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Ireland, has his sights set on a truly surreal moment: playing an NFL game at Croke Park, Dublin. The 26-year-old recently completed his third season with the Packers, having signed a three-year, $7 million contract last September that will keep him in Green Bay through 2028.

Whelan’s path to the NFL wasn’t traditional. After initially being waived by the Recent Orleans Saints in 2022, he honed his skills in the XFL before earning a spot with the Packers in September 2023. This made him the first Irish player to appear in an NFL regular season game since Neil O’Donoghue.

A Landmark Season for Irish NFL Fans

The 2025 NFL season marked a historic moment for Irish fans, with the first-ever regular season game held in Ireland – a matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park. While the NFL has indicated no immediate return to Dublin in 2026, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) remains optimistic about future games in 2027.

“Surreal” Moment Awaited

“If it was at Croke Park – I indicate, I’ve been there to watch rugby like so many times – I think I’d probably shed a tear walking out there,”

Daniel Whelan, speaking to Inside Sport on RTÉ Radio 1

Whelan’s emotional connection to Croke Park is deeply rooted in his upbringing. He envisions the experience as a surreal moment and experience and is actively pushing for it to happen.

From Wicklow to California and Back

Whelan’s family made a significant move in 2012, relocating from Wicklow to California with just two suitcases. Before focusing on American football, he participated in a variety of sports in Ireland, including soccer, rugby, cricket, and hockey.

Despite developing a Californian accent, Whelan maintains a strong sense of Irish identity.

“I’d say I’m a proud Irishman, for sure. I mean, obviously moving to America, that’s just part of my journey, I guess. But this is what I call home, when I come back here. I grew up here, this is where I learned how to become who I am. My family is all here. It’s great to be back.”

Daniel Whelan

Packers Playoff Run and Personal Success

The Packers finished the 2025 season with a 9-7 record, reaching the playoffs but falling to the Chicago Bears in the wildcard round. Individually, Whelan had a standout year, becoming the first Green Bay punter to lead the league in average yards per punt since 1970.

Growing Irish Presence in the NFL

Whelan is not alone in representing Ireland in the NFL. Jude McAtamney kicked for the New York Giants, and Charlie Smyth recently broke through with the New Orleans Saints through the International Player Pathway Program, even delivering a game-winning field goal against the Carolina Panthers.

“I played golf with him [Smyth] last season, so I’m excited for him and what he’s doing for Ireland as well. It’s cool to have another Irishman kind of rising in the ranks, gives hope to everybody else back here too.”

Daniel Whelan

Looking Ahead: A Super Bowl Goal

Whelan remains focused on the ultimate goal: a Super Bowl victory. Every team in the NFL thinks they underachieve and they don’t win the ultimate goal at the end, he stated, adding that the Packers have an empty spot in the room for the Super Bowl trophy.