A MAN who was an ex-NFL player kept alive his dream to play in the US Open by sinking a dramatic last birdie putt.

Danny Woodhead, 37 years old, was a player for the Jets and Patriots, Chargers and Ravens over a nine-year football playing career.

The fantasy football favourite now has his sights set on a surprise place at the Major at Brookline Country Club in June.

Woodhead, who rushed for 2,238 yards while tackling 32 teams for 32 touchdowns, retired from gridiron in 2017.

The Nebraska-native, who was born in Nebraska, has since quit his pad and turned to the links. He qualified for the US Amateur Four-Ball at Chambers Bay in 2021.

The local qualifying process for the US Open began on April 25, and will continue until May 23.

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Thereafter, the final qualifying round will be held at 11 venues.

After a fantastic round of 71 at Omaha Country Club, Woodhead will join them.

Former NFL star tied for third with two other players, and bagged four birdies in an impressive performance.

Woodhead celebrated with a strange jig on green after a dramatic birdie at 17th.

He tweeted afterward: "Some people get lucky.

"I kinda look stupid [doing celebration]."

Even with a nervey bogey on his last, the ice-cold putt was sufficient to secure his place among the top five qualifying spots.

The US Open Qualifying has been busy with many participants, including a Kansas City man who was entered in a similar qualifying as a fantasy football forfeit.

John Eckert participated in the US Open local event to punish him for not finishing last in an NFL fantasy league. He shot 40-OVER and was disqualified.

The Country Club in Brookline will host this year's US Open. It starts on Thursday, June 16th.