Charlie Smyth

About

Irish professional American football player known for playing as a placekicker for the New Orleans Saints, along with being internationally known for making one of the rarest transitions in modern sports by jumping from Gaelic football in Ireland to the NFL through the league's International Player Pathway program.

Before fame

He began playing Gaelic football when he was 4 years old. He developed as a goalkeeper. He played through the Irish youth system and eventually reached the senior inter-county level with Down GAA and making his senior debut in 2023. He also pursued academics alongside his sports career, including studying at Belfast University and working toward a master's degree in physical education. He was selected for the International Player Pathway program in January 2024 which started his journey to becoming an American football player. He spent time at IMG Academy in Florida to prepare for NFL evaluations before being signed by the New Orleans Saints in March 2024.

Trivia

He is one of the very few players in NFL history to transition directly from Gaelic football goalkeeper to NFL kicker. He didn't grow up watching American football, and he learned the rules of the NFL after being selected for the International Player Pathway. He trained for the NFL transition while still holding down a full-time teaching job in Ireland. He was featured on The Late Late Show hosted by Patrick Kielty in January 2026.

Family life

He was born and raised in Mayobridge, County Down, Northern Ireland.

Associated with

He has played alongside Alvin Kamara, Derek Carr, and Taysom Hill on the New Orleans Saints.