Charlie Smyth
K #19 — New Orleans Saints
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About Charlie Smyth
Charlie Smyth is an Irish kicker who learned to kick a football by playing Gaelic football in Ireland, where the ball is round and the goalposts are different and the entire sport looks like it was invented by someone who couldn't decide between soccer, rugby, and chaos. He came to the United States, figured out the American version of kicking, and somehow ended up on an NFL roster with a backstory that sounds like it was written by a screenwriter who was told to make a sports movie more interesting.
Saints fans fell in love with him immediately, and not entirely because of his leg. The accent is a significant factor. In a league full of kickers who give forgettable interviews, Smyth gives postgame answers in an Irish brogue that makes reporters smile before he even finishes the sentence. He talks about Gaelic football in press conferences and American sports media has no idea how to process it. He's described the differences between GAA and NFL kicking in interviews and you can watch the confusion spread across reporters' faces in real time. He's a novelty, but he's also a good kicker, which means the novelty has staying power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Charlie Smyth's Gaelic football background?
Smyth grew up playing Gaelic football in Ireland, which is a sport that involves kicking a round ball over and between H-shaped goalposts while also being allowed to handball it, shoulder-charge opponents, and generally participate in organized athletic mayhem. The kicking mechanics translate surprisingly well to NFL placekicking, and Smyth credits his GAA background for his leg strength and accuracy. He's not the first Irish kicker to make this transition, but he might be the most charming.
Why is Charlie Smyth such a fan favorite in New Orleans?
Three reasons. The accent, which makes every postgame interview feel like a vacation. The backstory, which is genuinely unusual and gives fans something to talk about beyond field goal percentages. And the fact that New Orleans is a city that loves a good character, and a Gaelic footballer turned NFL kicker is one of the best characters the league has produced in years. He fits the city's personality perfectly.
Last updated: April 2026