Danny Kittner’s Record-Setting Career Earns NFL Opportunity

Few players in University of Mary football history have built a career as accomplished, dynamic, and memorable as Danny Kittner.

From his early days at Higley High School in Gilbert, Arizona, to rewriting the record book at the University of Mary and continuing his football career professionally, Kittner’s path reflects the kind of excellence, perseverance, and growth that defines the Marauder legacy.

Kittner first made his mark at Higley High School, where he earned All-Region and All-Academic honors. His performance there opened the door to the next chapter of his career at the University of Mary, where he joined the Marauders in 2018 and quickly began to show the impact he could make as a wide receiver and return specialist.

As a true freshman, Kittner played in every game and finished the season with 257 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He also added 230 return yards, providing an early glimpse of the versatility that would become a hallmark of his game.

In his sophomore season, his production continued to rise. Kittner once again appeared in all 11 games and totaled 685 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 145 all-purpose yards per game, earned the team’s Offensive MVP honor three times, and added 846 return yards, including a punt return touchdown. By the end of that season, it was clear that he was becoming one of the Marauders’ most dangerous all-around playmakers.

After the COVID-19 delay, Kittner returned in 2021 and delivered the most electric season of his college career.

His junior campaign was nothing short of historic. Kittner recorded 128 receptions for 1,723 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most productive receivers in the country. He posted more than 125 receiving yards in eight of the team’s 11 games and surpassed 200 receiving yards three times. His signature performance came against Bemidji State, when he totaled 284 receiving yards and four touchdown catches. He also contributed 32 passing yards and added 526 return yards, showing once again that his value extended far beyond one position.

Although his senior season was not as statistically explosive as the year before, Kittner remained the Marauders’ leading receiver with 986 yards and five touchdowns. He recorded four 100-yard games and scored the only kickoff return touchdown of his college career against MSU Moorhead. By the close of his time at UMary, Kittner had become the program’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, securing his place among the greatest players in school history.

His college career brought national recognition as well. Kittner earned All-American honors, was a Harlon Hill nominee in back-to-back seasons, and was selected to the 2022 Northern Sun first team as both a wide receiver and return specialist. Those honors reflected not only his production, but also his consistency, competitiveness, and ability to change games in multiple ways.

That success created an opportunity at the professional level. In 2023, Kittner earned an invitation to the Chicago Bears’ rookie minicamp, where he competed for a chance to continue his career in the NFL. The invitation was another significant milestone and further confirmed what Marauder fans had seen throughout his time in Bismarck: Kittner had the talent and drive to compete beyond the college game.

Now, his journey continues overseas.

Kittner has signed with the Helsinki Roosters, taking the next step in his football career and bringing his experience to one of Europe’s established American football programs. He is expected to make an immediate impact as both a receiver and a special teams contributor, adding proven playmaking ability to the Roosters roster.

His arrival comes as the team adjusts its lineup, with Kittner stepping into an important role and bringing the kind of versatility that has defined his football career from the beginning. With his precise route running, quickness in space, and proven ability in the return game, he gives the Roosters a player capable of influencing the game in multiple phases.

Helsinki Roosters head coach Juha Hakala spoke highly of what Kittner brings to the roster:

“Danny Kittner is truly a big-time impact player. He is an excellent route runner that can create separation with his quickness. He is also a great returner and will help us on special teams too.”

For the University of Mary community, Kittner’s continued success is a source of pride. His story is about more than statistics and honors. It is about growth, preparation, and the ability to carry the Marauder standard into every new opportunity. From record-setting performances in college, to an NFL rookie minicamp, to the next chapter of his professional career in Europe, Kittner continues to represent UMary with excellence.

His journey is still unfolding, and Marauder fans will continue to follow it with pride.