Former Down Under-20 goalkeeper Charlie Smyth has signed a three-year deal to become a kicker with the New Orleans Saints
RTÉ Sport confirmed the news with Smyth's agent, the ProStar Sports agency.
The 22-year-old penned the deal after visiting the club's facility today.
Smyth becomes the first Irishman to sign a contract as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP).
Four Irish athletes, including three leading GAA players, recently took part in the University of South Florida's NFL pro day.
The Irish quartet, consisting of Smyth, Rory Beggan, Mark Jackson and Darragh Leader, were all part of the NFL’s 15-strong IPP Class of 2024.
'It's something different to what I'm used to but it's a cool journey'
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Rory Beggan and Mark Jackson among the Irish athletes preparing themsevles ahead of NFL trials@LawlorDamian reports from Abbotstown pic.twitter.com/loWvPHohwE
After performing successfully at a recent combine in Indianapolis, the Florida camp was another chance for them to showcase their kicking and punting skills, and Smyth impressed again.
Tadhg Leader, Smyth's IPP coach and owner of Leader Kicking, reacted to the news of his signing on X.
"I first met Charlie six months months ago. He and his family put their trust in me. Then we embarked on a journey into the unknown", he said. "Ireland couldn’t have a better ambassador in Charlie".
Smyth's off-season workouts are expected to start with the team in the middle of this month. In May, he will join up with the team when rookie training camps start, while training camp will start for Smyth in July. The NFL season begins on 5 September.
The IPP offers elite international athletes a chance to earn an extra spot on an NFL roster. Since its inception in 2017, 37 graduates have agreed to contracts with teams.
This year's IPP featured 11 athletes from around the world, hailing from various sporting backgrounds, including rugby, basketball, track, Gaelic football and Australian rules football.
Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit was the marquee name and the Kansas City Chiefs confirmed today that they have signed the 23-year-old as a running back/wide receiver.
Check out this unreal 63-yard rocket from IPP Class of '24 prospect Charlie Smyth!! 🇮🇪
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) March 26, 2024
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Smyth caught the eye of scouts with 12 successful attempts from 16 in Indianapolis and he converted eight out of 10 kicks at the Florida camp.
The Mayobridge man has a chance to make the club's active roster or he could feature on the practice roster, which would give him time to develop in the role. Most teams do not keep a back-up kicker in their 16-man practice squad, but teams who sign IPP players can have 17.
He will compete for a roster spot with Blake Grupe, who made 30 of 37 field goals and all 40 of his extra points as a rookie last season.
RTÉ Sport understands that there are high hopes of further good news for the Irish, with Rory Beggan, in particular, impressing scouts with 10 successful kicks from 10 attempts at the recent Florida pro day.
Beggan and Darragh Leader are also signed to the same agent as Smyth, Paul Sheehy of Pro Star Sports, who manages talent such as Harrison Butker of the Chiefs.
Wicklow goalkeeper Mark Jackson has signed with NFL agent Rob Roche, who manages the highest paid kicker in the league, Justin Tucker.
Additional reporting: Michael McQuaid
