Charlie Smyth kicks winning field goal for New Orleans Saints in NFL debut

The Down native made an immedaite impression with the game-clinching strike against the Arizona Cardinals.

WHO DAT? Charlie Smyth of the New Orleans Saints celebrates his made field goal with five seconds remaining at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Pic: Mike Christy/Getty Images

Former Down goalkeeper Charlie Smyth marked his debut for the New Orleans Saints by kicking a dramatic winning field goal to secure a 16-14 pre-season success at the Arizona Cardinals.

The rookie 22-year-old joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway Programme earlier this year, converted from 37 yards with just five seconds remaining.

"No matter the situation, I would have been nervous, but I just told myself to lock in on the process," Smyth said. 

IT'S GOOD! 🙌

Charlie Smyth kicks a 37-yard FG to give the #Saints a 16-14 lead with 5 secs left in the game

📺: @FOX8NOLA | @NFLUKIRE pic.twitter.com/wIlTCadr8h

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 11, 2024

“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."

“First kick in an American football game and for him to knock it through like that in a pressure situation was cool to see.”

"I hope someone has the most awkward high 5 I have ever received in my life... I'm lucky I didn't break my hand. He told us a year ago he had never kicked a football. That's something he'll remember forever"

-- Derek Carr on Charlie Smyth's game winner pic.twitter.com/DWABeizD5b

— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) August 11, 2024

Elsewhere, Louis Rees-Zammit made his first appearance for the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL pre-season friendly loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The 23-year-old former Wales wing made headlines in January when he quit rugby union to pursue a new career in American football.

Rees-Zammit, who subsequently signed a three-year deal with the reigning Super Bowl champions, performed as running back, kicker and kick-returner during Saturday’s match, in addition to being part of the punt coverage team.

“It was a great first experience,” he told the Irish NFL Show following the Chiefs’ 26-13 defeat at EverBank Stadium in Florida.

“I loved it, I loved getting the snaps I did, on special teams as well which was great. I’ve just got to look back on this, review it and see how I can get better.

“The atmosphere was great, it was pretty electric in the stadium and there was a load of Chiefs fans, which helped massively. It was a great game and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

The Chiefs, who begin the regular NFL season against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5, continue their pre-season fixtures at home to the Detroit Lions next Saturday.