Charlie Smyth scores 56-yard field goal on first career NFL start for New Orleans Saints

Michael Bolton

Charlie Smyth enjoyed a productive debut for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL on Sunday night despite losing to the Miami Dolphins.

Smyth scored a 56-yard field goal in the fourth quarter with his team 19-8 behind at the time.

With the Saints needing possession, 21-17 down with less than two minutes to go, Smyth was also successful with an onside kick.

While Miami were 21-17 winners in the end, it was a day to remember for the Co Down native, who became the first player to make the transition from Gaelic football to the NFL without playing in the US college system.

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.

Irish-born Daniel Whelan is a 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 from the practice squad