Charlie Smith impressed at NFL Combine and Pro Day Trials in Florida
Down GAA goalkeeper Charlie Smith has taken another step towards realizing his American football dream, signing with NFL team the New Orleans Saints.
The 22-year-old signed a three-year contract with the 2009 Super Bowl champion team.
Smith will be the Saints' kicker after impressing on trial.
The Mayobridge goalkeeper made the transition to American football through the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP).
IPP kicking coach Tadhg Rieder, who was integral in getting Smith into the program, said he was “speechless.”
“He and his family believed in me, and we embarked on a journey into the unknown. Thanks to Charlie's talent and work ethic, we found our way.”
“He's understandably making a fuss, but he's already talking about next week's training,” the leader added to X.
“I couldn't have asked for a better ambassador for Ireland than Charlie.”
Paul Sheehy, president of ProStar Sports Agency, who represents Smith, said: Posted in X He was “in his office toasting Charlie Smith, who signed with the Saints.”
“Congratulations to Ireland international Charlie Smith on signing with Saints,” he added. social media platform.
The IPP is a 10-week crash course for international players to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
Smith impressed scouts after attending the NFL Combine, Pro Day trial and visiting the New Orleans Saints facility.
He will now aim to earn a spot on the regular season roster.
What's next for Smith?
Smith joined Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan, Wicklow's Mark Jackson and former Connacht rugby player Darragh Reader at the NFL Combine in early March, with four players looking to earn a contract as a kicker. did.
After performing well at the combine, Smith, Began and Reeder signed with American football agency ProStar Sports in early March and attended pro day trials in Florida, where NFL scouts were also in attendance.
Down Under-20 Ulster Championship winner Smith completed eight of his 10 kicks, including one from 60 yards, on a trial day in Florida.
His performance led to him being invited to the Saints' training facility, and he has now signed a contract to play in the NFL.
Despite signing with the Louisiana side, Smith is not guaranteed to be on the pitch. The Saints already have an international player in their ranks through Australian punter Lou Hedley.
Charlie Smith wins Under-20 Ulster Championship with Down
However, if the offseason goes well for Smith and he continues his rapid development, he could find himself competing for a starting spot with Blake's group of kickers.
NFL franchises can have 90 players on their roster throughout the offseason, but that number drops to 53 as the season approaches. Players who don't make the regular-season team will be cut from the practice roster or retained, but they will still earn a hefty paycheck.
Starting with the new season starting in September, all 32 NFL teams will be able to add players to their rosters through the IPP, which aims to discover new talent and expand the global reach of American football. become.
Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, who signed with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, is also a player attracting attention in the IPP.
In January, Green Bay Packers punter Dan Whelan became the first Irish-born player to play in the NFL playoffs in 41 years.
