Former Down GAA U-20 goalkeeper Charlie Smyth marked his NFL debut by kicking a dramatic winning field goal on Saturday night.
Marking his debut for the New Orleans Saints in style, Smyth converted from 37 yards with just five seconds remaining to secure a 16-14 pre-season success at the Arizona Cardinals.
IT'S GOOD!
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 11, 2024
Charlie Smyth kicks a 37-yard FG to give the #Saints a 16-14 lead with 5 secs left in the game
: @FOX8NOLA | @NFLUKIRE pic.twitter.com/wIlTCadr8h
“I thought it was awesome,” Saints head coach Dennis Allen told a press conference.
“First kick in an American football game and for him to knock it through like that in a pressure situation was cool to see.”
The rookie 22-year-old Irishman joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway Programme earlier this year, with other well-known GAA stars such as Monaghan’s Rory Beggan and Wicklow’s Mark Jackson also trialling for a professional contract.
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