Down’s Smyth becomes a Saint in the NFL

Former Down Under-20 goalkeeper Charlie Smyth has signed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.

RTÉ Sport confirmed the news with Smyth’s agent, the ProStar Sports agency.

The Mayobridge man penned the deal after visiting the club’s facility today.

Smyth becomes the first Irishman to sign a contract as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP).

Four Irish athletes, including three leading GAA players, recently took part in the University of South Florida’s NFL pro day.

The Irish quartet, consisting of Smyth, Rory Beggan, Mark Jackson and Darragh Leader, were all part of the NFL’s 15-strong IPP Class of 2024.

After successfully performing at a recent combine in Indianapolis, the Florida camp was another chance for them to showcase their kicking and punting skills, and Smyth definitely impressed again.

The IPP offers elite international athletes a chance to earn a spot on an NFL roster. Since its inception in 2017, 37 graduates have agreed to contracts with teams.

This year’s IPP featured 11 athletes from around the world, hailing from various sporting backgrounds, including rugby, basketball, track, Gaelic football, and Australian football, among others.

Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit was the marquee name and has been linked with an NFL contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Irish athletes impressed many scouts since their arrival and Smyth clearly made a huge impact, as evidenced by his three-year contract as a kicker with the Super Bowl XLIV champions.

He impressed scouts with 12 successful attempts from 16 in Indianapolis and the 22-year-old converted eight out of 10 kicks at the Florida camp.

Smyth has a chance to make the club’s active roster or he could feature on the practice roster, which would give him time to develop in his role.

RTÉ Sport has been told by sources that there are high hopes that there could be further good news for the Irish with Rory Beggan, in particular, impressing scouts with 10 successful kicks from 10 attempts at the recent Florida pro-day.