Down’s Charlie Smyth looks set to make his NFL debut for the New Orleans Saints against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday.
The Mayobridge native has been elevated from the practice squad of the Louisiana-based franchise to the matchday squad ahead of their fixture tomorrow at the Hard Rock Stadium in Opa Locka, Florida.
A former Ulster U20 champion with the Mourne county, the kicker will suit up in the black and gold, hopefully starting his first competitive game since moving to America in 2024.
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The Saints are struggling so far this season, winning only two of their 11 games so far this year and sit at rock bottom of the NFC South division.
Should Smyth impress against Miami, who enter this game with a record of four wins and seven losses this season so far and are third in the AFC East division, he could retain his spot in the side going forward and become a regular in black and gold.
St Mary’s College graduate Smyth has been elevated following the dismal form of the Saints’ usual kicker, Blake Grupe, who scored 18 of his 26 field goals throughout the first 11 games of the season.
Smyth will hope to eclipse fellow Ulster gaelic footballer Jude McAtamney’s performances this season, who was dropped by the New York Giants.
New Orleans signed Smyth off the back of the goalkeeper impressing scouts at the NFL combine whilst part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway, during which Monaghan’s Rory Beggan and Wicklow’s Mark Jackson were among the candidates.
