Former Texas Longhorns starter drafted to continue football career in newly launched international league
Daniel Trejo was only part of the Texas Longhorns family for one season in 2022, but the punter was a solid transfer addition for the program. After transferring to Texas from Texas Wesleyan University, Trejo proceeded to be one of the better punters in the nation. On Sunday, Trejo saw an unexpected opportunity arrive at […]
Daniel Trejo was only part of the Texas Longhorns family for one season in 2022, but the punter was a solid transfer addition for the program. After transferring to Texas from Texas Wesleyan University, Trejo proceeded to be one of the better punters in the nation.
On Sunday, Trejo saw an unexpected opportunity arrive at his door as the Dallas Pioneros of the newly launched International Football Association drafted his rights. Selected in the sixth round of the eight-round draft, Trejo will stay local in Texas.
The Pioneros hired former disgraced Baylor head coach Art Briles to pilot their team into the inaugural season of the league. Six teams will kick off in 2025 and a seventh is in the plans to launch in 2026. Dallas, San Antonio, Huntsville (AL), Tampa Bay, Chihuahua (Mexico), and Ohio Valley (Wheeling, West Virginia) will begin play this season, with Little Rock coming next year.
Trejo logged 45 punts for 1,890 yards with a 42-yard average in his only season in Austin. At Texas Wesleyan, he was an accomplished kicker as well as a punter.
Former Texas kicker Cameron Dicker actually helped find Trejo and recommended him to the Longhorns' coaching staff, noting he liked his ability to control the ball. While Trejo participated in Texas' pro day, he did not receive much NFL interest in the 2023 NFL draft or thereafter.
Maybe this opportunity will give him the chance to play in the XFL or NFL down the road.
