Charlie Smyth kicked a last-gasp winning field goal in a dream NFL debut for the New Orleans Saints over the weekend.
The former Down goalkeeper made the 37-yard winning field goal with ease in his first field goal attempt at any level of American football to give the Saints a 16-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the pre-season clash.
The 22-year-old signed a three-year contract with the Saints as a kicker in April as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) program.
“I thought it was awesome,” Saints coach Dennis Allen enthused.
“For him to knock it through in a pressure situation like that was cool to see.”
TweetIn his first field goal attempt at any level of American football, Charlie Smyth kicked a game-winning 37-yard FG last night 🙌
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 11, 2024
Not a bad @NFL debut for the 22-year-old from Newry, Ireland 🇮🇪#Saints | @NFLUKIRE pic.twitter.com/4fUE7VEhXK