Charlie Smyth wrote another chapter in his brief but incredible NFL story last night as he kicked the game-winning field goal as the Saints beat the Carolina Panthers 20-17 last night in the Big Easy.
The Panthers trailed by 7 points heading into the fourth quarter, but rookie quarterback Tyler Shough engineered a stirring comeback – especially on the final drive – to give Smyth a chance to win the game with five seconds left on the clock. There was no doubt about the kick, which split the uprights and was the fourth one he converted on the day (two field goals, two PATs).
CHARLIE SMYTH GAME WINNER FROM 47 YARDS!
They’re going wild at the Superdome for the kid from Mayobridge!pic.twitter.com/f7uVITruNe
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 15, 2025
It’s New Orleans second win in three games, and the dismal narrative of their season has been upended by the arrival of rookies like Shough and Smyth.
It’s not just Irish NFL fans who love Charlie Smyth. The postmatch celebrations and media interview from the Saints players made it clear Smyth has earned the respect – and love – of his teammates.
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There were incredible scenes in the Saints dressing room after the game. Smyth was handed the game ball by head coach Kellen Moore. The Mayobridge man was then surrounded by his teammates who started chanting his name. Smyth then addressed the dressing room.
Incredible scenes: Charlie Smyth gets the game ball, gets mobbed by his teammates who chant ‘Charlie, Charlie’ and then addresses the Saints dressing room.
They love Charlie Smyth in New Orleans!
From 1.15 herepic.twitter.com/yjD0nM2RLm
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 15, 2025
It was fascinating to hear the thoughts of Kellen Moore on his Irish kicker. He admitted the team “loves” Charlie.
This team has so much confidence in him. I think the juice and energy that provides –the guys have a lot of confidence when he goes out there. The guys are fired up for him. For him to make that kick and execute at that high of a level, the celebration in the locker room, you’ll see it with Charlie and the team. This team loves that guy, and it was awesome.”
Smyth called it a ‘dream scenario’ when speaking to media after the game.
“I suppose if 27 months or so ago, you told me I would be playing a game in the NFL, I probably would have laughed at you. I never would have thought I’d have the chance of coming over here and playing sports, even in college or whatever, because I didn’t know what way the eligibility system worked. But, you know, just the way things panned out, it’s been really a dream scenario. And, you know, like, again, I’ve been such a fan of sport for so long, and always thought I could kind of do it. And, yeah, look, it was just awesome.
I love it here, you know, this city has treated me really well, this organization, everybody you know, to even look at me in the first place when I had no football experience. I’m just so grateful to everybody in this organization that has helped me develop. Look, I think we’re going to reap the rewards from that now.”
The Saints have three games left on their schedule and Smyth will have the opportunity to enhance his profile over the coming month.
Regardless, he’s made a huge impact on the Saints in just three weeks as a pro. It’s simply incredible.