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A whole new ball game for American Football star, Daniel Whelan
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- A whole new ball game for American Football star, Daniel Whelan
A whole new ball game for American Football star, Daniel Whelan
An Irishman who has carved out his career in the NFL stood in Paradise for the first time today (Thursday), as Green Bay Packers punter Daniel Whelan paid a visit to Celtic Park.
Born in Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Whelan moved to the United States as a teenager before switching from football to American Football, a decision that has taken him all the way to Lambeau Field and the National Football League.
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Now firmly established with the Packers, the 27-year-old was taking in the famous home of the Hoops for the very first time. And looking out across the empty stadium, he admitted the occasion had already left an impression.
"It's a pretty cool experience," he told Celtic TV. "I can't even imagine what it's like when it's full and loud. It's so green, I think it's pretty awesome, to be honest.
"I'm pretty blessed to be here. I never thought I'd ever come here. Even just hearing about it my whole life and getting to actually witness it in person is a pretty cool experience."
Whelan's own journey has been anything but ordinary. After going undrafted in 2022, he battled his way through the XFL before earning his chance with Green Bay .
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He has since become the Packers' starting punter, representing one of the NFL's most storied franchises and following in the footsteps of generations who have chased the Lombardi Trophy.
The 2025 season proved a strong campaign for Green Bay, who secured a play-off berth and showed real promise, only for their run to end short of the ultimate prize losing to longstanding rival, the Chicago Bears , in the wildcard round.
It was not the fairytale finish the team had hoped for, but it reinforced the belief within their locker room that they are building towards something significant at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin.
"The season didn't end how we thought it would," Whelan reflected. "That's part of sports, you are going to have ups and downs. I think we had a good run and a good season overall. We are excited to get back and get going for next season.
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"I really want a Super Bowl ring. That's a special trophy, the Lombardi Trophy, and bringing it back to Green Bay would be pretty awesome, especially at Lambeau Field."
Ambition is a clear driver for him, and the Irishman is determined that his story in the NFL is far from finished.
Before departing Paradise, he was posed one final question. Would he rather take a pressure penalty in front of a packed Celtic Park or invite Martin O'Neill to Lambeau Field to try his hand at punting? His answer came with a smile.
"Obviously the punting, but I would love to take a penalty here," he laughed. "I'd bury it and no chance of saving it either!"
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Whelan's journey continues to bridge two sporting worlds of Ireland and the United States and while his sights are firmly set on Super Bowl glory one day, a return to Celtic Park on a matchday remains on the wish list.
