Down U20 goalkeeper Charlie Smyth has taken one step closer to joining the NFL as he trains with the New Orleans Saints this week. Smyth along with a number of other GAA and rugby players joined the NFL IPP earlier this year and are coming to the stage where teams can sign them up now.
The story of Smyth's tryout with the Saints was first broken by Michael McQuaid of NFL Ireland on Twitter on Tuesday.
A couple weeks ago Smyth along with Rory Beggan and Mark Jackson took part in the NFL combine in Indianapolis and all three excelled. Smyth was the best out of the three on the day where NFL teams were able to watch them kick for the first time. Smyth scored 12/16 kicks on the day and narrowly missed from 60 yards.
After the combine Smyth had a further opportunity to impress NFL scouts at his Pro Day. While Rory Beggan got the headlines with his displays, Smyth scored 8 of his 10 kicks and scored from 60 yards on that occasion, showing off his powerful boot.
Charlie Smyth is working out for the Saints
The Irish Kicker was good from 60 at his pro day & went 8/10
Smyth also went 12/16 at the NFL Scouting Combine
Nice competition for Blake Grupe pic.twitter.com/N6FoDREs7Y
— Trizzy Trace (@tracegirouard48) March 25, 2024
Charlie Smyth Shares Ridiculous Kick Ahead of New Orleans Saints Tryout
Charlie Smyth will now be given an audition with the New Orleans Saints, who offered him the chance to try out for the team later this week. Ahead of his try out Smyth shared a ridiculous kick he made in training. With a strong swirling wind and from 63 yards Smyth was able to make the kick.
Look what Charlie Smyth just shared on IG. ABSOLUTELY ready for tomorrow's try out 🎯
(He's kicking in a dome too) pic.twitter.com/iHEQa5Ha58
— Mark Hogan (@HoganNFL) March 26, 2024
Compared to Beggan and Wicklow keeper-turned-kicker Mark Jackson, Smyth is notably younger.
Each NFL team from this season now have an extra spot on their practice squad where they are obliged to sign an International player. After the combine all the players from the IPP are now available to sign.
In other Irish-related NFL news, the NY Jets revealed yesterday that they were awarded the rights to build the global brand in Ireland.
The Pittsburgh Steelers also obtained this right last year.
SEE ALSO: Rory Beggan Takes Giant Leap Towards NFL Contract With Stellar Pro Day
