Shane Lowry praises ‘incredible’ Charlie Smyth having followed his NFL rise

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Shane Lowry praises ‘incredible’ Charlie Smyth having followed his NFL rise

Peter Lynch · HITC

Thu, Apr 23, 2026 ·

4 min read

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New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth has enjoyed a dream journey in the National Football League (NFL), which has caught the eye of Shane Lowry.

Lowry caught up with his fellow Irishman Smyth ahead of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the latest event on the PGA Tour.

The former is playing alongside five-time major champion Brooks Koepka in the team event, but he was able to walk TPC Louisiana with Smyth in the build-up.

And Lowry has now shared his admiration for his countryman, who has quickly become one of the most exciting players in the NFL .

Shane Lowry praises Charlie Smyth at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Lowry was asked ahead of the Zurich Classic if he already knew of Smyth and had followed his recent exploits, and indeed if he is a fan of the sport.

He replied: "A few questions there, but Charlie… I was actually explaining to Brooks out there, early on I knew Charlie was going to walk a few holes.

"His story is incredible. He kicked his first football, American football, only in 2023, and now he's kicking for the Saints. It's a pretty quick rise to that level of that sport.

"Yeah, I've been following what he's been doing. He had a couple of pretty cool kind of occasions last season where he kicked the game-winner. He's been doing very well.

"It's just interesting to get to talk to him. He's only young. God, he's only 24. Makes me feel quite old, but you know, it's nice to see Irish people doing well, and especially over here in America.

"It's nice to come to these places and seeing young, successful Irish people. I'm going to go and have lunch with him now.

"I think we'll stay in touch after this. I am a fan of football. I really got into it especially last season. I really enjoyed it.

"Yeah, I said a few weeks ago, I started following the [ Chicago ] Bears for some reason. I might have to switch over to the Saints now with Charlie, but you never know."

Shane Lowry hopes to watch Charlie Smyth for the New Orleans Saints

It has indeed been a stunning and rapid rise from Smyth, who joined the Saints in the 2024 offseason through the NFL's International Player Pathway Program.

He assumed kicking duties for the last six games of the 2025 season, recording 12 out of 16 field goal attempts, four of which were from 50 yards or longer.

When asked if he knew of Smyth before he moved to the team, PGA Tour ace Lowry said: "So I would have… you know, he was young playing Gaelic football in Ireland.

"I wouldn't have really known who he was until the start talking about the international pathway. I'm not sure of all the correct terms, so correct me if I'm wrong.

"A lot of Irish people were… it created big news back home in Ireland, the fact we could have a kicker. There was a few guys going for it in the NFL. It's been incredible what he's done.

"I don't think people at home even realize how big it's been or how big it is, you know, to go from not doing something to two years you're at the top of the sport. It's pretty cool.

"Obviously I'll be watching him from here on in, and hopefully he can get that starting place on the Saints and kick some winners."

Smyth earned his mega-move after impressing as a goalkeeper in Gaelic football, a hugely popular sport in Ireland.

Lowry incidentally recently showed off his skills in another Irish sport, having played hurling at Augusta National just before The Masters earlier this month.

But his focus turns back to golf for the Zurich Classic, which he won alongside his close friend Rory McIlroy in 2024.

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