By Ross Jackson
Any kicker attempting their first field goal in the NFL is going to feel some nerves. But for New Orleans Saints rookie Charlie Smyth, his game-winning 37-yard boot was something straight off of the silver screen.
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The 22-year-old Smyth is a member of the Saints by way of the league International Pathway Program. The initiative makes it easier for players from outside of the United States to be found and thus be given an opportunity to realize their NFL dreams from abroad.
Smyth had his first real taste of, not only NFL action, but American Football action as a whole on Saturday night. With 1:50 left in the game, the Saints were trailing 14-13 with the ball and three timeouts. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler lead an impressive drive downfield getting the team into field goal range.
For his first ever field goal attempt in live action, Smyth was first iced by Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon who called a timeout as the kicker lined up for his attempt with eight seconds left on the clock.
After the timeout, Smyth lined it up and kicked it through the uprights for an electrifying go-ahead field goal that ended up being a 16-14 game-winner. The young kicker was clearly pumped after sinking the kick in such a big moment. Preseason be damned, this was the pinnacle of Smyth’s opportunity here in the NFL and he celebrated like it.
A much-deserved celebration by the young Irishman who was greeted by the sounds of U2 in the locker room thanks to his teammates.
Smyth is currently battling it out with incumbent kicker Blake Grupe. That competition is still ongoing with two preseason games and a couple weeks of practices left ahead of roster cuts. But the unlikely hero has certainly cemented his claim for consideration with this moment.
