Charlie Smyth’s Journey to the NFL: From Gaelic Football Star to New Orleans Saints Kicker

Charlie Smyth’s journey to the NFL has been nothing short of surreal. The Down GAA star, who was part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program alongside other Irish athletes, has signed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints as a kicker.

The 22-year-old, who has been a fan of American football for many years, revealed that he even reached out to the NFL as a teenager by sending in a video showcasing his skills. Now, he finds himself in the United States, preparing to train with the 2010 Super Bowl champions.

“I suppose it feels a bit surreal. Coming from the position that I have where you are playing Gaelic football back home,” Smyth told Sky Sports News. “To have the chance to kick in the Superdome in front of 73,000 people, I am absolutely buzzing and cannot wait to get started.”

Smyth, who is also a qualified primary school teacher, acknowledges the drastic change in his career path. “To be in the position I am in now from last year; I thought I would be teaching then playing Gaelic football in the evenings,” he said. “Now, a year on, I could potentially never have to go in the classroom again after only finishing my degree, a retired teacher already essentially.”

With his sights set on proving himself in training camp and potentially becoming the starting kicker for the Saints, Smyth is ready to embrace this new chapter in his life. “For me, it has just been so special because I have just been such a fan of the sport,” he added.

As Smyth prepares to kick off his NFL career, fans eagerly await to see how this talented athlete from Ireland will fare in the world of American football.