When it was announced that a number of GAA star were making an attempt to earn an NFL contract as part of the International Player Program (IPP), it was initially thought that it was just a pipe dream.
After all, making the NFL is an incredibly difficult task for those who have played American football all their lives, much less for someone who had only took up the sport a number of months previous to that.
Down's Charlie Smyth, Monaghan's Rory Beggan, and Wicklow's Mark Jackson all made their way across the Atlantic a number of weeks ago with the aim of becoming kickers in the league. Their trial process seemed to go well, impressing at the combine and drawing interest from a number of teams.
One of them has now sensationally earned a contract.
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Down GAA star Charlie Smyth signs NFL contract
It is being reported that Charlie Smyth has signed a contract with NFL team the New Orleans Saints.
CONGRATULATIONS to Ireland's own @csmyth2601 on signing with the @Saints! Team effort with @TadhgLeader @James07Cook @NFL IPP. A big step in the journey for the @officialDownGAA goalkeeper! #WhoDat☘️⚜️ pic.twitter.com/bGIXmfVUGu
— Paul Sheehy (@ProStarSports) March 29, 2024
Saint Smyth: County Down NFL IPP athlete
Charlie Smyth has signed with the New Orleans Saints, per source.
Congratulations to all at Leader Kicking - @TadhgLeader, @DropkickMangan - life changing opportunities & @ProStarSports team! pic.twitter.com/z1rF4IckO3— Michael McQuaid (@Michael_NFL) March 29, 2024
The Down man has been incredibly impressive throughout the IPP process, most recently sharing a video online of him making some monster kicks. It seems that was enough to draw the interest of the Saints, who have now offered him a deal.
The contract will see Smyth join the team's practice squad, where he will have the opportunity to make their final 53-man roster for the 2024 season.
The former Down U20 goalkeeper will compete with Blake Grupe for the starting kicker job. Grupe played his rookie season with New Orleans in 2023, and while he had a decent season, it means Smyth will be competing against a player that is not well established in the league.
The Saints play in the Caesars Superdome, which is an indoor stadium. That also makes it a more favourable venue for kickers, something that could play in the Irishman's favour.
Even if he does win the starting job, he is likely to be kept as part of the Saints practice squad. NFL teams are permitted to add an international player as part of their locker room for 2024.
In terms of financial gain, this will be a fruitful venture for Charlie Smyth. Should he remain on the practice squad for the entire season, something he will be expected to do, he will earn a minimum of $216,000, as per league rules.
That is certainly quite the payday, although you expect that he will not be satisfied to just earn his money while not actually featuring for the team.
This could be the start of a very exciting journey.
SEE ALSO: Charlie Smyth Shares Ridiculous Kick On Eve Of Saints Tryout
