NFL: The Green Bay Packers will have a substantial amount of new starters going into the 2023 season. The massive amount of turnover, specifically on the offensive side of the ball, has ushered in a new era for the Packers. That being said, there will be a few key returning starters that will play key roles in 2023. One of them will be Pat O’Donnell. O’Donnell had a great year in 2022 punting for the Packers, however, he could have his work cut out for him to make the 53-man roster going into 2023.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Put Pat O’Donnell On Notice With Statement
Rob Demovsky noted one key aspect of the Packers practice this last week:
One more practice note. If the Packers need him for whatever reason (injury, roster move, etc), Daniel Whelan can punt. Impressive today both into/with the wind. On 12 punts, he averaged 52.0 yards and 4.56 seconds of hang time. All were swinging away, no pooch/Aussie attemps.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about Whelan’s big day and if he has a shot to push incumbent starter, Pat O’Donnell for the punter job.
“He’s done a heck of a job since since we’ve gotten him and you know, he definitely has a big time leg and it’s great,” LaFleur told reporters Monday. “You want competition at every position, because it’s going to push us to be better.”
Who Is Packers Punter Daniel Whelan? (NFL)
The Packers Punter Daniel Whelan as a free agent on May 17, 20. Whelan played for the D.C. Defenders in 2023, earning All-XFL honors after ranking No. 3 in the league in both punting average (45.6) and punts inside the 20 (11).
He appeared in all 10 regular-season games for the Defenders, punting 29 times for 1,322 yards (45.6 avg.) with just two touchbacks and a long of 66 yard. Thee defenders also appeared in two playoff contests, Whelan punted four times for 215 yards (53.8 avg.) with two punts inside the 20 and a long of 64 yard. Whelan entered the NFL with the New Orleans Saints as an un-drafted free agent on May 13, 2022 but was later released by the Saints on July 26, 2022.
For the latest updates on the Green Bay Packers’ punting competition and insights on Matt LaFleur’s decisions, head over to Green Bay Packers News. Stay updated with the latest Packers developments!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pat O Donnell married?
Yes, Pat O'Donnell is married. In March 2020, he got married to Shelby Etter in Miami.
Who is the Irish player on the Green Bay Packers?
The Irish player on the Green Bay Packers is Daniel Whelan. He played tennis for three seasons, earning the league MVP title as a senior. He went undefeated in singles and also played soccer for two seasons. He moved to California with his mother at the age of 13, and his last name, Whelan, is pronounced WEE-lan.
