Special-teams contributor and former track standout fighting for a roster spot in Carolina.
Dan Chisena reached the NFL on the strength of his elite speed, having competed as a track athlete at Penn State before football. He has spent his pro career as a core special-teamer, and re-signed with the Panthers' practice squad during a 2025 season disrupted by injury.
Path to the league
Chisena was a sprinter at Penn State who walked onto the football team and earned a roster spot on raw athleticism. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent and made the team primarily for his special-teams value. His career has been built on coverage units rather than receiving production.
Career highlights
Through his career Chisena has appeared in 38 regular-season games with just three catches, per reporting from the Penn State Collegian. He logged six games with Carolina in 2024 and secured three of four targets for 37 yards. His contributions have come overwhelmingly on kickoff and punt coverage.
2025 season
Chisena signed a one-year deal with the Panthers on March 12, 2025, but was waived with an injury settlement on July 29, according to the Collegian. Carolina re-signed him to the practice squad on September 23 as he worked back from the injury.
Sources
- Penn State Collegian: Former Penn State WR Dan Chisena released by Carolina Panthers
- ESPN: Dan Chisena player page
Statistics
2025 season and career▶Receiving · career
| Year | Team | GP | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | panthers | 6 | 3 | 37 | 12.3 | 0 | 23 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Group
- offense
- College
- Penn State
- Hometown
- Downingtown, PA, USA
- Age
- 29
- Status
- active
