Ireland has the most athletes of any country included in the NFL's International Pathway Program Class of 2024. GAA players Mark Jackson, Charlie Smyth, Darragh Leader, and Irish rugby player Rory Beggan all made the cut.
Wicklow native Dan Whelan played his part as the Green Bay Packers shocked the Dallas Cowboys with a 48-32 victory on Sunday in Texas. Dan Whelan made history last night, January 15, becoming the first Irishman to play in the NFL playoffs since Neil O'Donoghue in 1983.
Dan Whelan celebrated his "first game in the books" with the Green Bay Packers after becoming the first Irish-born player to feature in an NFL game since 1985. The Green Bay Packers beat rivals Chicago Bears 38-20 on September 10 thanks in part to Whelan.
Daniel Whelan, a native of Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, has been included on the initial 2023 roster for the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Whelan is poised to be the NFL's first Irish-born player since Neil O'Donoghue's final season with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1985.