Charlie Smyth: Former Gaelic footballer’s 2025 form ‘not going to cut it long-term’ in the NFL

Even while new to the sport, Smyth has already been exposed to the ruthless nature of the NFL, first in how the Saints cut their previous starter of three years, Blake Gruppe, to open up their starting spot, and also in how his compatriot Jude McAtamney was treated after costly mistakes for the New York Giants.

McAtamney, who like Smyth is a former Gaelic footballer, but one who played American football in college, missed two extra-points in a 33-32 defeat by the Denver Broncos in October and was released by the Giants without making another appearance.

Smyth says it was “tough” to see how McAtamney was treated in the press and on social media in the aftermath.

“The highs are high and the lows are low,” he said.

“I miss that kick against Carolina, and maybe I’m not sitting here right now [as an NFL player]. That’s the nature of the sport.

“These contracts, there’s nothing guaranteed. The Saints could cut me tomorrow and they don’t owe me any money.”

While Smyth had to bounce back from misses of his own, he feels he can be proud that he produced his best when it was “needed” most, such as that kick against the Panthers, but is now targeting an improvement in his overall percentage next season.

After making “quite a big adjustment” to his kicking technique two weeks before ascending to the top job last season, he is hoping to iron things out before the 2026 campaign and become more consistent moving forward.

“None of the misses were down to nerves. There’s things that I want to work on,” he added.

“I feel like those misses in the last two games will drive me on to get better.

“There was a part of me, especially from the left-hash that didn’t feel amazing [after making adjustments]. That’s what the main work-ons are this off-season.

“There’s one side thinking you should be incredibly proud of yourself, but the other that the standard is the standard. That’s what’s going to keep you in, being driven.”

You can listen to the GAA Social with Charlie Smyth on BBC Sounds.