Charlie Smyth- from GAA to the New Orleans Saints

He’s the footballer everyone is talking about.

It feels like Charlie Smyth has been everywhere over the past few weeks, but we haven’t heard a lot from him? In his first long form interview since signing for the New Orleans Saints, the former Down and Mayobridge GAA player, brings the GAA Social into his new world. An avid listener to the GAA Social podcast, Charlie explores his new world with Thomas and Oisin. A new sport, new life and a drive that’s within to make in in the NFL. It’s a remarkable journey, so far. A 3 year contract with one of the biggest clubs in American sport, Charlie moves to New Orleans this weekend. We discuss money, how much he will and can make, goals, challenging for the number one kicking position (currently held by Blake Grupe) and meeting some of the biggest names in American Sport ‘Bout ye Cam Jordan’

“Money doesn’t drive me” We discuss the pressure of the NFL combine, delivering and signing a contract- all after imaging himself as Kerry footballer Bryan Sheehan.

Charlies story is unconventional. Struggling to make a school team, regrouping to star for Down in U20 Ulster championship glory. Then, the devastation. No more Down, and he wasn’t playing with his club Mayobridge. It was a real low, but that disappointment was harnessed in a positive way. Focus, drive and total commitment. Courage was clear and Charlie burst into life. We mentioned it's Charlie's first long form interview- but not his first interview. The Late Late show on RTE was the destination on Friday, what was that like? Some people laughed when a young recently qualified teacher wanted to make a career in the NFL. They’re not laughing now

It’s Charlie Smyth on the GAA Social, with Thomas Niblock & Oisin McConville