Charlie Smyth scored 56-yard field goal as he made his first career NFL start for the New Orleans Saints against the Miami Dolphins.
With his team 19-8 behind, Smyth looked unfazed as he struck his kick cleanly over the posts for three points.
Later in what proved to be an eye-catching debut, Smyth converted a rare onside kick with his team battling back to 21-17 behind, which ended up the final score.
The Down native becomes the first player to make the transition from Gaelic football to NFL without playing in the US college system.
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Smyth’s chance comes after releasing experienced kicker Blake Grupe after a disappointing year in New Orleans. The American went 18-of-26 on field goals, missing two kicks recently.
Before this match, Smyth had only appeared in preseason games for the Saints, including against the Arizona Cardinals last year where he kicked the winning field goal.
Earlier this year, Smyth told The Irish Times of his unwavering belief his chance would come.
“I’m seven for seven in preseason games, I might just have to be a little patient, but I do believe my time will come with this,” he said.
Irish-born Daniel Whelan is punter for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL, while McAtamney got a chance in the league this year, but missed two extra-point attempts, one crucially in the fourth quarter, as the New York Giants lost by a point. The Derry man was cut from the team, and then the practice squad, showing the cut-throat nature of the sport.
