Charlie Smyth says “this is where the real work starts” after signing a three-year contract with the NFL’s New Orleans Saints.

The 22-year-old, who has come from Gaelic football, secured a deal last week after impressing at trials.

Smyth hopes to make the Saints’ roster before the start of the 2024 NFL season in September.

“I feel like I’ve got the ability to kick in this league and to kick for the Saints,” said the Down GAA goalkeeper.

“It’s been an unbelievable journey just to get to this point, but now I know I’m in the league, the Saints have signed me, but now it’s time to get to work. This is where the real work starts.”

As an Ulster Under-20 Championship winner with Down in 2021, Smyth had a bright future in Gaelic football, the sport he has played his entire life.

However, after deciding to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL, he started to train with Tadhg Leader, a kicking coach for the NFL international player pathway (IPP) programme.

Along with Rory Beggan, Wicklow’s Mark Jackson and former Connacht rugby player Darragh Leader, Smyth attended the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in early March.

Having impressed at the Combine and at pro-day trials, Mayobridge native Smyth was invited to the Saints’ training facility before signing the contract.

Over the summer, Smyth will compete with current Saints kicker Blake Grupe for the spot in the active roster.