Saints head coach hails 'bright future' for Charlie Smyth after record-equalling game

Sunday's game was the fourth in the NFL for Down native Smyth

Charlie Smyth kicked five field goals for the New Orleans Saints in a victory over the New York Jets. Pic: Kelly Gavin/Getty Images

New Orleans head coach Kellen Moore said Charlie Smyth has a "bright future" in the league after he kicked a team record equalling five field goals for the Saints in their 29-6 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.

"Charlie's awesome. He's playing really good football, and the team is rallying behind him," said Moore.

Smyth kicked five of six field goal attempts from 35, 36, 39, 49 and 50 yards. His miss came from 61 yards.  

"Yeah, it's a moment I'd like back," he said about the kick which went wide.

"It's a little bit of a learning moment — I know I can hit those without changing my form, but because it was my first 60-plus attempt in the game and at the end of the half, I was a little amped up. I wish I could have that one back. It was a great learning moment going forward. I don't need to change my form to hit 61, but I sort of short-stabbed it and pulled it a little, so we'll learn from it."

Sunday's game was just the fourth in the regular season for the player who joined the Saints' practice squad in 2024. The 24-year-old signed a three-year deal with the franchise during the week. 

"The support from everybody back home in Ireland has been unreal," said Smyth.

"I'm super grateful for it. A lot of people are pushing American football in Ireland, and it's nice to play a small part in its rise and the fan culture at home. I'm constantly getting texts—the phone has been blowing up the past couple weeks. It's been unreal. 

"The organisation took a chance on me a couple of weeks ago and said, 'Look, despite all the lack of experience, we're still going to give him a shot and see what he's doing in the building.' I'm super grateful, and I think we're all reaping the rewards right now."

The Saints, now 5-10 for the season, play their final game against the Tennessee Titans this weekend. 

"It's been a great year for Irish sports," Smyth continued.

"Rory McIlroy won the Masters, Shane Lowry hit the putt in the Ryder Cup, athletics at home is thriving, a couple of girls are doing really well, and the Irish soccer team had a big win against Hungary recently. Katie Taylor in boxing. Irish sporting culture around the world is picking up. It's pretty good to be part of that, so we've just got to keep it going now."