Former Valparaiso University football punter Ben Niesner (Black Diamond, Wash. / Tahoma [Portland State]) has been invited by the Seattle Seahawks to participate in their local draft-eligible player visit/workout.

The workout features top prospects local to the Seattle area and presents them with the opportunity to showcase their skills for the Seahawks. The event will take place on Thursday, April 14.

Several Valpo products are pursuing professional careers, as Robert Washington recently participated in a Pro Day.

The Spring 2021 Pioneer Football League Co-Special Teams Player of the Year, Niesner also earned All-PFL First Team, FCS National Punter of the Year Semifinalist, Academic All-PFL First Team, two-time PFL Special Teams Player of the Week, Team Special Teams Player of the Year that season. This fall, he was tabbed All-PFL First Team, an FCS Bowl Selection, FCS Bowl Special Teams MVP, a Tropical Bowl USA Selection, two-time PFL Special Teams Player of the Week and a Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) Academic All-Star.

Niesner posted a punting average of 43.2 this season, a mark that ranked third in program history. He tied program and PFL records for single-season punting average during the Spring 2021 campaign at 43.6. The Valpo standout finished this season with the league’s top punting average, a mark that ranked 16th nationally.