Charlie Smyth’s journey to the NFL was not a straightforward one. Hailing from County Down in Ireland, Smyth reached out to the NFL via general inquiries at the age of 18, expressing his desire to become a kicker. Despite receiving no response initially, Smyth did not give up on his dream. He continued to pursue his passion for kicking while playing Gaelic football in Ireland, a sport he described as a mix between soccer and rugby. Teaching and coaching Gaelic football in his spare time, Smyth’s ambition to play in the NFL never wavered.
After nearly five years of perseverance, Smyth’s determination paid off when the New Orleans Saints signed him to their 90-man roster through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. At the age of 22, Smyth was one step closer to realizing his dream of playing professional football in the United States. Despite the challenges ahead, including competing against established kickers like Blake Grupe, Smyth remained focused on securing a spot on the Saints’ 53-man roster.
Established by the NFL in 2017, the International Player Pathway Program aims to identify and develop global talent capable of competing at the highest level in the league. Eligible players must be citizens of countries outside of the United States and Canada, with limited high school playing experience in the U.S. The program had previously not included spots for specialists until 2024, presenting a unique opportunity for players like Smyth to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Transitioning from Gaelic football to American football was a significant shift for Smyth, who had never kicked an American football before August 2023. With the guidance of kicking coach Tadhg Leader, Smyth honed his skills and impressed scouts during training sessions in Ireland and at the NFL Academy in Loughborough, England. His journey culminated in a 10-week training program at IMG Academy in Florida, where he demonstrated his kicking prowess in front of NFL teams.
As Smyth embarks on his professional football career with the New Orleans Saints, he recognizes the impact of his journey on aspiring young athletes in Ireland. Serving as a role model and ambassador for his country, Smyth hopes to inspire the next generation of Gaelic football players to pursue their dreams on a global stage. With a strong work ethic and unwavering determination, Smyth aims to not only represent Ireland in the NFL but also establish himself as a key player for the Saints.
While the road ahead may be challenging, Smyth is prepared to give his all during the rookie minicamp and offseason program with the Saints. Competing against experienced kickers like Grupe, Smyth remains focused on earning a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad. Drawing inspiration from players like Jordan Mailata and Lou Hedley, who found success in unconventional paths to the NFL, Smyth is determined to make the most of this opportunity and showcase his kicking abilities at the highest level of the sport.
Charlie Smyth’s remarkable journey from a small town in Ireland to the NFL is a testament to his resilience, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. As he takes the field with the New Orleans Saints, Smyth continues to inspire young athletes worldwide to chase their dreams and never give up on their passion for the game.