Considering it was an NFL regular season game between two pretty poor teams, it was remarkable to see the amount of Irish interest in the Miami Dolphins vs New Orleans Saints game last night. Of course, that had something to do with a certain Down native in the Saints line-up.

Charlie Smyth would make his NFL debut in the game, lining out a kicker for the Saints. While his side would ultimately come up just short in a 21-17 loss, it was a hugely impressive performance from the former GAA goalkeeper.

His first field goal in the league would turn out to be a 56-yard rocket.

Irishman Charlie Smyth’s first career FG goes for 56 yds! 🇮🇪

📺: FOX | @NFLUKIRE pic.twitter.com/qmti6LNoIJ

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 30, 2025

That was not his only contribution.

Smyth would also pull off a successful onside kick late in the contest, one of the rarest plays in the NFL.

CHARLIE SMYTH CONVERTS THE ONSIDE KICK! 🇮🇪

Vele with the recovery

📺: FOX | @NFLUKIRE pic.twitter.com/93TEkzziaz

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 30, 2025

It will be hoped that this was just the beginning of a long and successful career in the NFL for Charlie Smyth, with New Orleans Saints fans having quite the reaction to his display.

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New Orleans Saints Fans Baffled By One Thing After Charlie Smyth NFL Debut

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Charlie Smyth has been part of the New Orleans Saints organisation for quite some time, first joining in March of 2024 as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He has had to bide his time before being given an opportunity in the league, but he certainly made the most of it on Sunday.

Saints fans certainly came away impressed with the Irishman, with many wondering why he was not brought into the team much sooner.

I’m THISCLOSE to believing if Smyth was our kicker all season we’d be a wildcard team

— Jono Barnes (@JonoBarnes) November 30, 2025

Tyler Shough on Charlie Smyth’s 56-yarder today: “Ice cold” #Saints

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) November 30, 2025

One thing people will notice quickly with Charlie Smyth is how high he kicks the ball. It’s actually absurd. Watch where this ball hits the net. https://t.co/hGqYPRBdry

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) November 30, 2025

So why was he on the practice squad this whole time????

— Barstool NOLA (@BarstoolNOLA) November 30, 2025

CHARLIE SMYTH IS A LEGEND

— Barstool NOLA (@BarstoolNOLA) November 30, 2025

Charlie Smyth has a cannon for a leg holy hell.

— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) November 30, 2025

Charlie Smyth’s legend begins https://t.co/ESTo0rUYGJ

— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) November 30, 2025

The Saints currently boast a record of 2-10 after a poor start to the season, with the team already out of the play-off race.

The lack of stakes for the remainder of the season will likely mean that Charlie Smyth is given a chance to nail down his place in the team moving forward, something he looks well capable of doing on the basis of his this performance.

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