Packers game at Croke Park would be 'surreal'

Green Bay Packers' Wicklow-born punter Daniel Whelan says it's a dream of his to play an NFL game at Croke Park.

Whelan, from Enniskerry, has just completed his third season as punter for the Packers, where he signed a three-year deal worth $7million last September which will keep him at Lambeau Field until 2028.

Having initially been waived by the New Orleans Saints in 2022 before stepping down to the minor league XFL, Whelan made his NFL debut for the Packers in September 2023, becoming the first Irishman to play in the league since Neil O'Donoghue.

He has since established himself as one of the strongest punters in the league and was in contention for a Pro Bowl appearance at one stage this season.

The 2025 season was a landmark one for Irish NFL fans with the first ever game held in the country, when the Pittsburgh Steelers played the Minnesota Vikings in Croke Park on the final Sunday of September.

While NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that there would be no return to Dublin in 2026, the GAA expressed confidence that American football would return in 2027.

Whelan admits that playing a game in Croke Park would be a "surreal" moment.

"If it was at Croke Park - I mean, I've been there to watch rugby like so many times - I think I'd probably shed a tear walking out there," Whelan told Inside Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.

"I think it'd be a surreal moment and experience. I'm waiting for the day that it happens.

"It'd probably change my life if I did that. It'd be great. I'm pushing for it."

Whelan's family relocated from Wicklow to California - with just "two suitcases" - in 2012 when he was 13 years of age.

Prior to that, he had played underage soccer with Greystones United - where current St Patrick's Athletic winger Simon Power was one of his team-mates - along with rugby with St Gerard's, while also dabbling in cricket and hockey.

Despite his strong Californian accent, Whelan still considers himself first and foremost an Irishman.

"We [his family] literally just brought two suitcases each and started a whole new life out there. It's pretty crazy when you look back on it now, like how am I here?

"If you saw where I lived in Enniskerry, you'd be like, what, how is he here!?

"If we didn't do it, I don't know where I'd be. I'm grateful for my Mom and what she did for us.

"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.

"I'm definitely more Irish than American. The accent's gone, it's gone a while! But if I'm here for like a month, I'd probably get it back."

The Packers amassed a 9-7 record in the 2025 season, reaching the play-offs for the third successive season but losing to their longest standing rivals Chicago Bears in the wildcard round.

Whelan had another stellar year on a personal level, becoming the first Green Bay punter to lead the league in average yards per punt since 1970. But the goal remains a Super Bowl ring.

"I think I'm in a good place at the moment. I mean, I did hit the ball pretty well this year, so I'm thrilled about that.

"Every team in the NFL thinks they underachieve and they don't win the ultimate goal at the end.

"I think it's a pretty achievable goal. We have an empty spot in the room for the Super Bowl trophy. We see it everyday.

"The Packers' history, they're a winning franchise, and I'm very blessed to be a part of it. The end goal is to get a Super Bowl ring and bring it back to Lambeau and the city of Green Bay."

Whelan was one of three Irishmen to play in the NFL this season, with Jude McAtamney featuring as a kicker for the New York Giants, before Charlie Smyth broke through with the New Orleans Saints.

Smyth, a former Down goalkeeper, came through the International Player Pathway Programme and made six appearances in the 2025 season, scoring the winning field goal with seconds remaining to beat 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," says Whelan.

"It's cool to have another Irishman kind of rising in the ranks, gives hope to everybody else back here too."

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