DOWN GAA goalkeeper Charlie Smyth will visit the New Orleans Saints NFL facility later this week, as per Pro Football Ireland.
The Mayobridge man will go down to Louisiana to work out with the NFC South outfit in a bid to win a contract after coming through the International Player Pathway programme.
Smyth impressed in his combine and pro-day, which was attended by 31 NFL scouts at the University of South Florida.
He is one of four Irish athletes currently seeking pro contacts, with Monaghan’s Rory Beggan, Wicklow’s Mark Jackson and former Connacht rugby player Darragh Leader making up the quartet.
“Derry was just short-notice for me and I had to pull back” - Philly McMahon impressed by Oak Leaf management talks but the timing was wrong for Dublin legend
‘For a fella of Brian Fenton’s status to leave at 31, something’s gone wrong...’ Philly McMahon struggling to accept that Dublin legend has gone for good
The Down u20 Ulster Championship winner is the first Irish player to have announced a visit to an NFL team.
Fellow International Player Pathway player Rory Beggan was seen talking to the director of pro scouting of the New York Giants, Chris Rossetti after his pro day performance.
* “Well, ya, just leave me go play championship once a year and I’ll come back then in August and play with yous”
— Conor Mangan (@DropkickMangan) March 21, 2024
*rory didn’t actually say this pic.twitter.com/XplRyb26F4
There have been no confirmed visits for Beggan, Jackson or Leader as of yet but Beggan has said that there have been “conversations” with teams following his pro day.
