PUEBLO, Colo. – The dream of a former Colorado State University-Pueblo football student-athlete was realized Sunday when Mike Pennel played in his first National Football League game as a member of the Green Bay Packers. In the process, he became the first player under seventh-year head coach John Wristen to play in an NFL game.
A defensive tackle, Pennel was selected to the 53-man roster of the Packers Aug. 31, placing him on the active roster for the 2014 season.
"I came in pretty early (on final cut day) and no one really talked to me, so no news was good news on that day," Pennel said. "Then a scout came up to me while I was eating and said, 'Congrats you made the 53.' I was just really relieved, but ready to get to work and ready to move up on the roster."
The only other student-athlete under Wrsiten to make an NFL roster was former ThunderWolves offensive line standout Mike Jensen, who was named to the inactive list for the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, due to injury. This season, Jensen, a 2013 NFL Draft selection of the Ravens and a 2011 and 2012 All-American for the Pack, will serve as a practice player for Baltimore.
"I'm very proud of what Mike and Ryan have done and how they are representing CSU-Pueblo," Wristen said. "I'm proud of how hard they worked to reach their goal of playing in the NFL. More importantly, they are two great people that wore this uniform and we will be following and supporting them throughout their careers."
Pennel was inactive for Green Bay's first three games, but totaled two tackles (one solo) in his professional debut Sunday in a 38-17 victory at the Chicago Bears.
The last CSU-Pueblo student-athlete to suit up and play in an NFL game was running back Herman Heard (Southern Colorado State, 1982-83), who played six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs (1984-89 – started 49 games).
A D2Football.com All-America Honorable Mention, Don Hansen Third Team All-Super Region Four and All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference First Team honoree, Pennel totaled 36 tackles (15 solo) in 2013. He added six tackles for loss (-28 yards), three sacks (-24 yards), four pass break-ups, forced three fumbles and recovered two fumbles. Despite only playing one season for the Pack, Pennel is grateful for his time as a ThunderWolf.
"Going to Pueblo really changed my life," Pennel said. "It brought me back down to earth and helped me understand what hard work and dedication can get for you. Coach Wristen is like a father to me and I still talk to him every day. There was nothing but positivity out of Pueblo and they guided me in the right direction."
Pennel, an Aurora, Colorado native, played two seasons at Scottsdale Community College and a season at University of Arizona before joining the Pack.
The Pack return home Oct. 4 to battle Adams State University in an RMAC contest set to kickoff at 6 p.m. The game is set to air live on Altitude Sports and Entertainment Network and will be produced by KSPK-TV.
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Colorado State University-Pueblo competes in 22 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
