WATCH: Ex-GAA goalkeeper Charlie Smyth nails winner with first-ever kick on NFL debut
The Mayobridge native converted from 37 yards with just five seconds remaining to seal the win for the New Orleans Saints
Former Down GAA U-20 goalkeeper Charlie Smyth marked his NFL debut by kicking a dramatic winning field goal on Saturday night.
Marking his debut for the New Orleans Saints in style, Smyth converted from 37 yards with just five seconds remaining to secure a 16-14 pre-season success at the Arizona Cardinals.
“I thought it was awesome,” Saints head coach Dennis Allen told a press conference.
“First kick in an American football game and for him to knock it through like that in a pressure situation was cool to see.”
The rookie 22-year-old Irishman joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway Programme earlier this year, with other well-known GAA stars such as Monaghan’s Rory Beggan and Wicklow’s Mark Jackson also trialling for a professional contract.