Mental dressing room scenes as Down man Smyth hits NFL game-winner

Incredible!

Charlie Smyth had a day to remember as his late field goal gave the New Orleans Saints a 20-17 win over the Carolina Panthers in their NFL matchup last night.

Despite being down by seven points heading into the fourth quarter, the Saints were able to conjure up an unlikely comeback.

The game-winning kick from the Down star was his fourth successful strike of the day, with two field goals and two PATs in total.

He celebrated triumphantly after the match, receiving the game ball and basking in the glory of his teammates cheering "CHARLIE, CHARLIE".

Speaking to the media, Smyth said:

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."

Given that this was Smyth's third game for the Saints, if he is to play four or more, he has to be bumped up from the practice squad to the active roster, which will also result in a significant pay increase.

It has been reported that his current salary is around $234,000.