Former Down goalkeeper Charlie Smyth hit a game-winning field goal for the New Orleans Saints with his first-ever attempt in a competitive game.
The Mayobridge man was signed to the Saints’ practice squad at the start of 2024, having impressed at the NFL Combine after making an entry via the league’s International Player Pathway programme.
And while he remains the backup kicker to first-choice Blake Grupe approaching the start of the new NFL season, Smyth was the toast of his teammates after knocking over a game-winner against the Arizona Cardinals.
Trailing 14-13 with five seconds left on the clock, the Saints had good field position and opted for the posts on fourth down, with Smyth stepping up for the biggest moment of his NFL journey to date.
The Cardinals iced the kicker by calling a timeout to disturb the routine, leaving the 22-year-old needing to reset and refocus before stepping up again.
But the interruption had no ill effect as he launched over an arrow from 37 yards to seal a pre-season victory for his side.
Clearly overjoyed himself, Smyth’s teammates shared in the moment and gave him a brilliant reception as he returned to the sideline in celebration.
Speaking after the game, Smyth admitted he would have been nervous no matter when his first kick came about.
He told reporters: ‘No matter the situation, I would have been nervous, but I just told myself to lock in on the process.’
