Charlie Smyth says “that is the place the actual work begins” after signing a three-year contract with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.
The 22-year-old, who has come from Gaelic soccer, secured a deal final week after impressing at trials.
Smyth hopes to make the Saints’ roster earlier than the beginning of the 2024 NFL season in September.
“I really feel like I’ve bought the power to kick on this league and to kick for the Saints,” mentioned the Down GAA goalkeeper.
“It has been an unbelievable journey simply to get thus far, however now I do know I am within the league, the Saints have signed me, however now it is time to get to work. That is the place the actual work begins.”
As an Ulster Beneath-20 Championship winner with Down in 2021, Smyth had a vibrant future in Gaelic soccer, the game he has performed his complete life.
Nevertheless, after deciding to pursue his dream of taking part in within the NFL, he began to coach with Tadhg Chief, a kicking coach for the NFL worldwide participant pathway (IPP) programme.
Together with Rory Beggan, Wicklow’s Mark Jackson and former Connacht rugby participant Darragh Chief, Smyth attended the NFL Mix in Indianapolis in early March.
Having impressed on the Mix and at pro-day trials, Mayobridge native Smyth was invited to the Saints’ coaching facility earlier than signing the contract.
Over the summer season, Smyth will compete with present Saints kicker Blake Grupe for the spot within the energetic roster.