CHARLIE Smyth’s mum has spoken of the emotion she felt when her son kicked his first field goal for the New Orleans Saints in week 13 of the American Football season. On Sunday, the Mayobridge man achieved a long-held dream when he started his first ever NFL regular season game for a team he first signed with in March 2024.
He made headlines throughout Ireland when he managed to kick a 56-yard field goal, as well as an onside kick against the Miami Dolphins. His mum Julie travelled to Miami with Charlie’s dad Leo, and his sisters Mollie and Caitlin, to see a special moment for her son.
Julie told the Mourne Observer: “When he kicked the field goal, the family and friends around me were jumping up and down, waving the Tricolour and squealing with delight. I just sat there, breathed a sigh of relief, and shed a wee tear or two. I think it was a mix of relief, happiness, and just being a very proud mummy.”
The family’s journey to the game was a dramatic one. Charlie found out on Friday that he would be playing on Sunday. He contacted his family and then they set in motion a plan to get there.
Julie said: “We got the news late on Friday afternoon that he was going to be elevated (put on the starting team). We were so excited for him, but then the panic set in. We couldn’t not be there for his debut. Suddenly we were trying to get off work, book flights and accommodation, sort out game tickets, and even find a dog sitter.”
They managed to get all that sorted, but the challenges had not ended. “We headed off early on Saturday morning and, because we booked so late, we couldn’t reserve seats. The only ones left were in row 39 on a completely full flight – it felt like a sign! (Charlie Smyth’s number for the New Orleans Saints is 39).”
“Then we got stuck in Chicago because of the snow. Most of the flights were cancelled, and at one point I genuinely thought we wouldn’t even make it to the game.”
In the full article read what Charlie said about playing, and what the New Orleans’ coach said about his performance.
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