Irish punter Dan Whelan has been hailed as an 'absolute weapon' after a heroic touchdown assist that nearly sparked a remarkable Green Bay Packers comeback.

Whelan has become a fan favourite since making the team back in 2023 and is now punting in his second season for the Lambeau outfit.

Growing up in Enniskerry, Whelan moved stateside at the age of 13 and has had a remarkable rise in the American Football world.

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Unfortunately for Whelan and the Green Bay Packers, the 25-year-old was forced onto the field multiple times as the Minnesota Vikings raced to a 28-0 lead at Lambeau Field on Sunday evening.

But a booming punt at the end of the 2nd quarter from Whelan deceived Vikings returner Jalen Rasheed Nailor as he fumbled the kick resulting in a touchdown for the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers' Bo Melton recovered the ball to score a touchdown which completely switched the game's momentum.

Welcoming back quarterback Jordan Love, the Packers nearly staged a remarkable comeback but fell just short losing 31-29.

Whelan, however, was singled out for praise after his touchdown assist.

One social media user said: "Dan Whelan is an absolute weapon."

While another added: "Dan Whelan...MVP"

And another said: "Dan Whelan = Weapon"

A keen sports fan, he took up American Football in High School and progressed to play College Football with UC Davis.

It wasn't a straightforward story for the Irishman as he went undrafted following college and had a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints practice squad before being released in 2022.

Whelan would go on to play for the DC Defenders in the Vince McMahon-backed XFL where has was named on the All-XFL team.

The Wicklow-born athlete got his chance with the Packers last year and didn't look back.

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