Irish-born Dan Whelan has been included on the Green Bay Packers' 53-man roster for the upcoming NFL season.
Whelan lived in Enniskerry until the age of 13, when his family moved from Wicklow to California to take up residence in Palm Springs.
Making the switch from soccer to American football in high school, he started as a kicker before moving to the punter position.
The 24-year-old played college football with the UC Davis Aggies from 2017 to 2021 after completing his studies at Rancho Mirage High School.
After going undrafted in 2022, the 6'6" Whelan was signed as a free agent by the New Orleans Saints but was waived in July of that year.
However, impressive performances with the DC Defenders in the XFL this season, where he averaged 45.6 yards on 29 attempts and was named on the all-XFL team secured him a shot with the Packers.
His pre-season form against the Cincinnati Bengals, the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks now give him the chance to become the first Irish-born player to feature in regular season action since Neil O'Donoghue kicked for the St Louis Cardinals in 1985.
