Charlie Smyth is navigating his third pre-season training camp with the New Orleans Saints, where he has established himself as the team’s incumbent kicker. The County Down native, who came through the league’s International Player Pathway, was elevated to the starting role in Week 13 last November when called upon to replace Blake Grupe against the Miami Dolphins.
Following his debut opportunity, Smyth signed a three-year contract and appeared in the final six games of the Saints’ campaign. During that stretch, he completed 12 of 16 field goal attempts while converting all 13 extra-point tries. With game experience now part of his resume, Smyth expressed confidence heading into the current camp, noting that the unfamiliar aspects of his first season have given way to familiarity with the organization and coaching staff.
The kicker has found himself adjusting to increased visibility that accompanies an NFL starting role. He referenced instances of being featured in fantasy football discussions and appearing in the Madden video game series, milestones that seemed improbable during his teenage years. Despite these elevated profile moments, Smyth maintained focus on performance rather than celebrity status.
During the off-season, Smyth connected with professional golfer Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic, a PGA Tour event held in New Orleans. The two discussed technical and mental parallels between kicking and golf, exchanging perspectives on pre-kick and pre-shot preparation.
Smyth now faces fresh competition for his position as the Saints added Tanner Brown, a UFL championship winner with the Louisville Kings, to challenge for the starting role. Smyth characterized the competitive dynamic as standard practice in professional football, expressing confidence in his ability to execute under pressure.
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