In just his third game, Saints kicker Charlie Smyth is already building a remarkable legacy, having clinched a dramatic victory with a game-winning field goal.
Smyth didn’t need to wait for the result of his 47-yard kick to know it was good. As soon as the ball left his right foot and soared through the air on its intended path, he confidently turned to the sideline of the opposing team—the Carolina Panthers—who were vying for a playoff spot, and raised his arms in joyful celebration. The final score was New Orleans Saints 20, Carolina Panthers 17.
"I think I may have glanced at their sidelines," Smyth admitted. "Maybe I shouldn’t have done that." When it was pointed out that he definitely had looked over, he simply smiled and acknowledged, "I know I did."
Who could blame him? Just over two years ago, Smyth kicked an American football for the very first time, and now, in only his third professional game, he already has a game-winning kick under his belt.
Interestingly, if he were being completely candid, he might have preferred a more challenging scenario. A 62-yard kick was within reach after an unnecessary roughness penalty pushed the Saints back a few yards. "I’ve been hitting a lot of longer kicks in pre-game lately. In those high-pressure moments, I tend to channel my adrenaline into more power, which helps me," Smyth explained. "Forty-seven yards is manageable, but I was ready to tackle the longer one if necessary."
This accomplishment adds another chapter to Smyth’s extraordinary journey. He migrated from Northern Ireland to the United States with dreams of playing American football—a sport he had admired from afar. Growing up, his father would sometimes turn off the WiFi to deter him from staying up late watching games, but Smyth always believed he had the talent to succeed, drawing parallels between his skills in Gaelic football and the American game.
However, turning dreams into reality is no small feat, especially when it involves making critical kicks like the one he successfully executed on Sunday. With perfect execution from long snapper Zach Wood and holder Kai Kroeger, Smyth stepped up and delivered.
"People outside might say there’s tremendous pressure on you, but I like to view these moments as opportunities to embrace and thrive in," Smyth expressed.
The unlikeliness of his story cannot be overstated. Smyth recalled that it was roughly 27 months ago when he was teaching the Irish language to students after graduating and preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in Belfast. However, everything changed when he discovered an American football tryout, leading him to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis—and here he is today, making waves in the league.
"The way my life has unfolded has truly felt like a dream come true," Smyth reflected. "Just the fact that anyone even considered me for this role when I had zero football experience is something I’m incredibly grateful for. I believe we're starting to see the benefits of that trust now."
So far, Smyth has successfully made four out of five field goal attempts and converted all five extra point tries. His only miss, which occurred last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from a similar distance to his game-winner, served as a learning moment.
"It was a great opportunity to work closely with John and review the film, analyzing what happened during my successful kicks in practice and games, focusing on the ball’s trajectory and my alignment," Smyth mentioned, highlighting the importance of refining technical aspects of kicking.
These meticulous preparations culminate in thrilling moments like the one he faced on Sunday. He didn’t feel nervous; instead, he tapped into what he calls the "evidence wall," recalling his first-ever NFL game, a preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals where he also hit a game-winning kick. That past success gave him confidence.
His teammates shared unwavering support. "Charlie was absolutely ready for that moment," Chase Young remarked. "He’s always focused." Chris Olave added, "I knew he’d nail that kick; he’s my guy." Tyler Shough noted the composure required for such a position: "Seeing how calm he was, I had complete trust in him. Everyone knew it was going in."
As Smyth prepared for the decisive kick, head coach Kellen Moore chose not to speak to him, respecting his focus. After the game, it was no surprise to see Smyth celebrated by his teammates, especially after Moore presented him with a game ball.
"This team has a genuine love for that guy," Moore stated. "It was incredible to witness."
Currently, Smyth is still on the Saints' practice squad but has exhausted his roster elevations. This means that if he wishes to continue playing on Sundays, the Saints will need to sign him to the active roster, officially making him an NFL player—a remarkable achievement for someone who only recently began playing the game.
"I want to be part of this team; I want to play here," Smyth declared. "I have fallen in love with this city. It truly feels like home to me now. I believe I have two homes: New Orleans and Mayobridge in Northern Ireland."
While he remains cautious about counting any unearned opportunities, it seems clear he has earned his place on the team.
