Charlie Smyth’s NFL journey delivered another surreal chapter on Sunday night as the former Down player kicked the game-winning field goal for the New Orleans Saints against division rivals Carolina Panthers, and Saints fans couldn’t get enough of how he celebrated it.
With the scores level late on, Charlie Smyth was handed the responsibility of settling the contest, and the Irish kicker delivered under pressure, splitting the uprights to seal victory for New Orleans. But while the kick itself was clutch, it was Smyth’s instinctive, almost defiant glance toward the Panthers’ sideline that quickly caught the attention of supporters online.
Saints fans lapped up the edge, viewing it as a perfect snapshot of a rookie who already understands what NFL rivalry games are all about.
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Speaking afterwards, Charlie Smyth admitted the moment was largely instinctive, and not entirely planned.
I suppose you feel the contact right, and then you just give a quick glance and see what’s going on.
I think I’ve got a habit of looking, seeing if it’s good, then sort of turning away. I’m not really in control of my body at that stage, you know, whatever happens, happens.
Replays showed Charlie Smyth briefly locking eyes with the Carolina sideline whilst raising his arms before being swarmed by his teammates.
The former Down footballer acknowledged that the celebration may have crossed the line, but also recognised why fans enjoyed it.
I think I might have looked at their sideline, and probably shouldn’t have done that, but a division opponent, you know, is a big rivalry or whatever. So it was a fun moment for sure.
The kick marks another milestone in Smyth’s rapid adaptation to life in the NFL, having transitioned from Gaelic football to American football in remarkable fashion. While his technical ability has drawn praise all season, moments like this suggest he’s also embracing the theatre and emotion that come with kicking in high-pressure NFL situations.