NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Northern Irishman Charlie Smyth scored the game-winning goal just 27 months after first playing American football in the NFL.
His 47-yard field goal with 2 seconds left in Sunday’s game gave the New Orleans Saints their first lead and handed the Carolina Panthers a 20-17 loss that was as painful for them as it was exhilarating for him.
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“I’m excited to get this opportunity,” Smith said. He chanted “Charlie, Charlie” in the locker room after receiving the game ball from coach Kellen Moore. “It was a beautiful moment that I will never forget. I’m absolutely ecstatic to be honest.”
Smith, 24, graduates from university in the summer of 2023 and becomes a primary school teacher, with his only playing experience being as a goalkeeper in Gaelic football. He signed up for a master’s course in Belfast but eventually pursued the NFL instead, joining the league’s international player pathway program.
“If you told me I was going to play in the NFL, I would probably laugh at you,” he said. “It’s really a dream scenario in terms of how things are going.”
During the 2024 preseason, Smith hit a 37-yard field goal with 5 seconds left to beat Arizona and eventually made the practice squad. Smith, who was promoted to active duty for the first time in Week 13 at Miami after the Saints cut Blake Grump three weeks ago, completed a 56-yard field goal on his first attempt.
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The man was a total failure. His latest kick helped the Saints win back-to-back games after a 2-10 start.
“Outside people will say you’re stressed out, but I would say I embrace those moments,” Smith said. “It’s up to you to go out and execute everything you’ve practiced the last two years.”
His teammates sensed his confidence.
“We had no doubts,” said rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who guided the Saints’ kickoff 62 yards to Smith. “He does it every day in practice. You have to have a certain level of cold-bloodedness to play this position. I think everyone knows what the outcome is going to be.”
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl