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Saints’ Charlie Smyth Drills 56-Yard Field Goal, Executes Onside Kick in NFL Debut

The former Down GAA goalkeeper earned the job over Cade York after Blake Grupe was cut for accuracy struggles.

Overview

  • He was elevated from the practice squad for Week 13 in Miami after winning a late-week competition, confirming him over York for kicking duties.
  • His first NFL attempt came in the fourth quarter, a 56-yard field goal that cut the deficit to one score.
  • With 1:17 remaining, he executed a short onside kick that Devaughn Vele recovered to extend New Orleans’ comeback chance.
  • The Saints fell 21-17 to the Dolphins, but head coach Kellen Moore and teammates praised Smyth’s composure and execution.
  • Smyth arrived via the NFL International Player Pathway from Gaelic football in Northern Ireland, and reports note he is the first to move directly from GAA to an NFL starting role; his family made a last-minute trip to see the debut.