St Mary’s University College graduate Charlie Smyth has signed to play in the NFL next year with the New Orleans Saints, having recently completed the college’s new MSc in Sport and PE for Young People.

Charlie is the first Irish person to sign via the NFL International Player Pathway scheme. He will be progressing from his MSc at St Mary’s to a life changing opportunity in New Orleans as an NFL kicker with the Saints.

As an 18 year old he emailed the NFL to enquire how he could play American Football, and he will now have the chance to live that dream. Every NFL team has an international player spot, and the 22 year old will take up this position with the Saints. Smyth impressed at the International Player Pathway Pro-day, kicking a 63-yard goal in the last days of training, just three yards shy of the NFL record.