Dan Chisena Bio
Dan Chisena (born February 25, 1997) is an American professional football wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Chisena has shown versatility throughout his career, transitioning between various teams and positions while demonstrating his skills on the field.
Early Life and Background
Dan Chisena was born in Paoli, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. He attended Downingtown East High School, where he played football and was a sprinter on the track team. During his senior year, he was named first-team All-Ches-Mont League in football after catching 41 passes for 553 yards and three touchdowns. In track, Chisena excelled, winning gold in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4×100 relay at the 2015 PIAA Class AAA Outdoor State Championship.
Path to American Football
Chisena joined both the football and track teams at Penn State University as a walk-on and redshirted during his freshman year. He was awarded a track scholarship at the end of his freshman year but left the football team due to NCAA rules. In track, Chisena achieved notable success, finishing third in the 400-meter at the 2017 Big Ten Conference Outdoor Championships and being part of the team that won the 4×400 relay at the 2017 Indoor Championships. After suffering a hamstring injury in early 2018, he returned to the football team, where he played in two games during his junior year and caught a 59-yard touchdown pass during the team’s spring game. As a senior, he participated in all twelve games and recorded three receptions for 66 yards.
Dan Chisena Career
Early Career (2020-2022)
Dan Chisena was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2020. He made the Vikings’ 53-man active roster out of training camp, primarily due to his special teams potential and versatility, having been converted to safety. Chisena made his NFL debut in the season opener on September 13, 2020, against the Green Bay Packers, where he played on special teams. He recovered a fumble on a muffed punt by DeAndre Carter on October 4, 2020, in a 31–23 win over the Houston Texans. During his rookie season, he played in 14 games, focusing on special teams, and finished the year with six tackles and a fumble recovery.
Breakthrough (2023-Present)
In January 2023, Chisena signed a reserve/future contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers but was released in August of the same year. He returned to the Minnesota Vikings on October 11, 2023, but was waived later that month. Chisena then signed with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on November 22, 2023, and was promoted to the active roster on December 2. After the season, he became a free agent but was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad on January 10, 2024. Following a brief stint with the Ravens, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Arizona Cardinals on February 6, 2024, but was waived in August.
Notable Works and Milestones
Chisena’s signature work includes his performance with the Carolina Panthers, where he returned to playing wide receiver and finished the 2024 season with three catches for 38 yards. He signed a one-year deal with the Panthers on March 12, 2025, showcasing his ongoing commitment to his football career.
Dan Chisena Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Dan Chisena has not received any notable award nominations.
Dan Chisena Awards Won
Dan Chisena has not won any major awards during his professional football career.
Dan Chisena Family
Information regarding Dan Chisena’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Dan Chisena’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly disclosed.