Charlie Smyth’s Surreal 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 remarkable. The Down GAA star, who was part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, has signed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints as a kicker, fulfilling a dream he has had since he was a teenager.

The 22-year-old, who has been a fan of the sport for many years, sent a video showcasing his skills to the NFL as a teenager, hoping to make his mark in American Football. Now, he is set to kick for the 2010 Super Bowl winners in front of thousands of fans at the Superdome.

Smyth admits that the opportunity still feels surreal to him, coming from a background of playing Gaelic football in Ireland. He always believed in his ability to transfer his skills from Gaelic football to American football, and now he has the chance to prove himself in the NFL.

Despite being a qualified primary school teacher, Smyth may never see the inside of a classroom again if things go well for him in Louisiana. His focus is now on training camp and showing the coaches that he has what it takes to be a starting kicker for the Saints.

For Smyth, this opportunity is a dream come true, and he is determined to make the most of it. With his passion for the sport and his dedication to honing his skills, there’s no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him in the NFL.