'It was a cool moment, one I will never forget' - Northern Ireland's Charlie Smyth reflects on NFL heroics

Charlie Smyth of the New Orleans Saints looks on. Pic: Chris Graythen/Getty Images.

In just his third regular season start for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL, Charlie Smyth made four successful kicks on Sunday night but it was his final one that will live long in the memory.

In his first home NFL regular season game, with just six seconds left on the clock and with the scores level, the former Down footballer landed the winning field-goal for the Saints from 47-yards as they dented the Carolina Panthers' play-off hopes with a 20-17 victory.

“I’m just delighted to get the opportunity,” said Smyth during his post-match press conference.

“I suppose if 27 months or so ago, you told me I would be playing a game in the NFL, I probably would have laughed at you.

“I never would have thought I’d have the chance of coming over here and playing sports, even in college or whatever, because I didn’t know what way the eligibility system worked.

“But, you know, just the way things panned out, it’s been really a dream scenario. I’ve been such a fan of sport for so long, and always thought I could kind of do it.

Here's more from Smyth on his two-year journey from graduating in primary school education to kicking a game-winning field goal in the NFL. https://t.co/HkdQhRSXQw pic.twitter.com/l5QNVg5b0W

— NOF (@nofnetwork) December 15, 2025

“It was just awesome. I love it here, you know, this city has treated me really well, this organization, everybody you know, to even look at me in the first place when I had no football experience.

“I’m just so grateful to everybody in this organization that has helped me develop. I think we’re going to reap the rewards from that now.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen (long-term), but I will definitely never forget it anyway.

“You know for me, I’m still on the practice squad, so I want to be part of this team. I want to play here and I love it here. It nearly feels like home here, obviously in America.

"CHARLIE! CHARLIE! CHARLIE!"

In the #Saints locker room after the dramatic win vs the Panthers 🙌 pic.twitter.com/m1Wp5N6ZFJ

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 15, 2025

“I feel like I’ve got two homes, so it’s pretty cool. I’ll just do the thing and the rest will take care of itself.

“It was a cool moment and one I will never forget.”

Also speaking following their dramatic victory, Saints head coach Kellen Moore heaped praise on the Mayobridge man.

“I did not bother him. I just stayed away from him. He was ready to go,” added Moore.

“This team has so much confidence in him. I think the juice and energy that provides –the guys have a lot of confidence when he goes out there.

“The guys are fired up for him. For him to make that kick and execute at that high of a level, the celebration in the locker room, you’ll see it with Charlie and the team.

“This team loves that guy, and it was awesome.”