CHARLIE IS THEIR DARLING

Saint Smyth impresses on debut

- BY RONAN McMANUS

CHARLIE SMYTH was “absolutely buzzing” after making his NFL debut for New Orleans Saints against Miami Dolphins.

The 24-year-old booted a “phenomenal” 56-yard field goal at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday and also pulled off a rare successful onside kick.

But it was not enough to make it a winning debut as the Dolphins held on to win 21-17, inflicting a 10th defeat of the season on the Saints.

Smyth, from Mayobridge in Co Down, joined the NFL's International Player Pathway Program in January 2024 and became the first Gaelic footballer to sign an NFL contract when agreeing a threeyear deal with the Saints the following March.

He was added to the roster after regular kicker Blake Grupe was cut last week.

Smyth beamed after his debut: "I was just excited to get the opportunity. To be honest, I'm kind of hiding it a little bit, I was absolutely buzzing.