Irish kicker Charlie Smyth embraces veteran role as Saints prep for season
Charlie Smyth, the New Orleans Saints’ placekicker from County Down, returns for his third training camp feeling more seasoned after stepping in late last season.
County Down native Charlie Smyth entered the NFL through the International Player Pathway and got his breakthrough in Week 13 of last season, filling in for Blake Grupe and converting 12 of 16 field-goal attempts while making every extra point. He secured a three-year contract and participated in the final six games, gaining valuable game experience. Now in his third preseason camp with the New Orleans Saints, Smyth says the environment feels familiar and he benefits from long-standing relationships with the special-teams coach.
He has attracted attention from fantasy football circles and even saw his likeness added to the Madden franchise, which he finds amusing. The kicker also met fellow Irish athlete Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic, exchanging insights on technique and mindset between kicking and golf. Competition looms as the team brings in Tanner Brown, a recent UFL champion with the Louisville Kings, to challenge for the starting spot.
Why it matters
Smyth’s progress highlights the NFL’s growing international talent pipeline and the competitive nature of specialist roles.
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