Former Down GAA goalkeeper Charlie Smyth got off to a dream start in his American Football career by kicking the winning field goal on his New Orleans Saints’ debut.

Smyth (22) struck from 37 yards with just five seconds left in the game to help the Saints to a 16-14 victory over Arizona Cardinals in a pre-season challenge match.

Incredibly for Smyth, it was his first kick in the NFL. Arizona called a timeout just before the kick in an attempt to ‘ice’ Smyth, and put him off his kick but he fired it between the posts to seal the win.

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Saints head coach Dennis Allen said: "I thought it was awesome. First kick in an American football game and for him to knock it through like that in a pressure situation was cool to see."

Mayobridge man Smyth spoke to reporters in the locker room after the game: “No matter the situation, I would have been nervous, but I just told myself to lock in on the process,” he said.

Smyth is the back-up kicker to Blake Grupe at the Saints. The former Down under-20 Ulster Championship winning goalkeeper signed a deal with the club after coming through an International Player Pathway Programme.

He was originally scouted by Leader Kicking, having previously attempted to get NFL trials as a 19 year old.

Wicklow goalie Mark Jackson and Monaghan’s Rory Beggan both tried out alongside Smyth at an NFL combine earlier this year.

Smyth shot 12 out of 16 field goals in the scouting combine.

Smyth, who had no previous experience of playing American Football, was signed to the Saints’ practice squad, landing a three year contract back in March.

It was initially believed that GAA goalkeeper had a better opportunity of making the grade as kick off specialists, but Smith is making strides as a field goal kicker and will hope to see NFL action later this year.

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