Andre Eric Szmyt Bio
Andre Eric Szmyt is an American professional football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 26, 1998, in Lake Forest, Illinois, Szmyt played college football for the Syracuse Orange from 2017 to 2022. He won the Lou Groza Award as the best collegiate placekicker in 2018 and earned unanimous All-American honors that same season. Szmyt went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft and signed with the Chicago Bears before playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL) in 2024. He joined the Cleveland Browns in December 2024 and won the starting kicking job in 2025, becoming known for his clutch performances including a game-winning 55-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers.
Early Life and Background
Andre Eric Szmyt grew up in Vernon Hills, Illinois, where he attended Vernon Hills High School. His football journey began during his high school years in the Chicago suburbs, where he developed the kicking skills that would later carry him to college football’s highest honors. Szmyt’s work ethic and natural talent positioned him as a promising prospect heading into his collegiate career.
After graduating from Vernon Hills High School, Szmyt chose to continue his football career at Syracuse University, joining the Syracuse Orange football program in 2017. The transition from Illinois to New York marked the beginning of his ascent through college football’s kicking ranks, eventually establishing him as one of the most decorated placekickers in Syracuse history.
Path to American Football
Szmyt redshirted his true freshman season at Syracuse in 2017, using that year to adapt to the college level and refine his technique under the Syracuse coaching staff. He earned a spot on the SU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll during the fall semester, demonstrating his ability to balance athletics with academics from the outset of his collegiate career.
His breakthrough came in 2018 when he emerged as the starting placekicker for the Syracuse Orange. Szmyt wasted no time establishing himself as one of college football’s elite kickers, posting record-setting numbers that would earn him national recognition and establish the foundation for his professional career.
Andre Eric Szmyt Career
College Career at Syracuse (2017–2022)
Szmyt redshirted his true freshman season in 2017, and he was named to the SU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll in the fall. In 2018, Szmyt became the first Syracuse kicker and third freshman to win the Lou Groza Award, and he was named a unanimous All-American, being the first since Dwight Freeney in 2001. Szmyt also won the 2018 Vlade Award. That season, Szmyt connected on 30 of 34 field goals, and he hit all 61 extra points. He also kicked a season-high 54-yard field goal in a loss to Pittsburgh while leading the ACC with 121 points scored.
In the 2019 season, Szmyt was successful on 17 of 20 field goals, including a 50-yard field goal at Florida State. Against Wake Forest on the last week of the season, he connected on a 49-yard field goal with 44 seconds left until the Demon Deacons tied the game. In overtime, he also kicked a 40-yard field goal in the 39-30 win. His performance was marred by coaching changes and holders switching in subsequent years, but he returned to better form when Bob Ligashesky took over as the special teams coordinator in 2022. That season, he connected on 20 of 26 field goals and all 40 of his extra point attempts.
Chicago Bears (2023)
Szmyt was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2023. The opportunity allowed him to compete at the NFL level immediately after his college career. However, he was waived by the Bears on August 8, 2023, during final roster cuts before the regular season began.
St. Louis Battlehawks (2024)
On January 22, 2024, Szmyt signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). He led the UFL in field goals made during the 2024 season, demonstrating his consistency and reliability as a placekicker. Szmyt re-signed with the Battlehawks on August 21, 2024, indicating the organization’s confidence in his abilities.
Cleveland Browns (2024–Present)
On December 24, 2024, Szmyt was signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Cleveland on January 6, 2025. Szmyt was waived by the Browns on June 4, 2025, and re-signed on June 26, 2025. On August 26, Szmyt made the Browns’ initial 53-man roster, beating out incumbent Dustin Hopkins for the kicking job.
On September 7, 2025, Szmyt played his first regular-season NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He missed an extra point to tie the game, and late in the same game missed a field goal that would have given the Browns a win against the Cincinnati Bengals in the 17–16 loss. However, two weeks later on September 21, Szmyt hit a game-winning 55-yard field goal to beat the Green Bay Packers in a 13–10 comeback win, providing a signature moment that defined his early Browns tenure and solidified his place on the roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Szmyt has established himself as a durable and consistent placekicker with a strong leg capable of making long-range field goals. His collegiate record and professional statistics demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure. His game-winning 55-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers showcased his range and composure in critical situations. The transition to the NFL presented an adjustment period, but his work ethic and technical foundation have helped him compete for and secure a starting role.
Notable Events and Milestones
Szmyt’s career has been marked by several significant achievements. Winning the Lou Groza Award as a freshman in 2018 placed him among the elite college kickers in history. His unanimous All-American selection made him the first Syracuse player to achieve that honor since 2001. In the NFL, his game-winning 55-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 of the 2025 season stands as a career-defining moment that demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations at the highest level of professional football.
Andre Eric Szmyt Career Wins
Szmyt’s career spans multiple leagues and levels of competition, with his most notable achievements coming during his collegiate career at Syracuse and his continued presence in professional football with the Cleveland Browns.
Syracuse Orange Highlights
During his time at Syracuse, Szmyt set school and conference records for a single season with 30 field goals made in 2018. He finished his college career as the all-time leader in field goals made at Syracuse University. His 2018 season remains his most decorated, with the Lou Groza Award, unanimous All-American honors, and a conference-leading 121 points scored. Szmyt’s consistency was evident across multiple seasons, with his 2022 performance under Bob Ligashesky showing he maintained his high level of play throughout his college career.
Professional Highlights
In the NFL, Szmyt has competed for both the Chicago Bears and currently the Cleveland Browns. His most notable professional moment came with the Browns in 2025 when he made a game-winning 55-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers. Through his first NFL season, Szmyt made 24 of 27 field goal attempts (88.9 percent), 25 of 26 extra points (96.2 percent), and scored 97 total points. He also led the UFL in field goals during the 2024 season with the St. Louis Battlehawks.
| Series | Wins | Field Goals Made | Field Goal Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| College (Syracuse) | Multiple seasons | 30 (single season record) | 88.3 career percentage |
| UFL (St. Louis) | 2024 season | Led league | UFL leader |
| NFL (Cleveland) | 2025 season | 24 of 27 | 88.9 percent |
Andre Eric Szmyt Family
Family Background
Born in Lake Forest, Illinois, Szmyt grew up in the Chicago suburbs before attending Vernon Hills High School. Details about his family background, including his parents, are not extensively available in public records. His journey from the Chicago area through college football at Syracuse and into professional football demonstrates his development as an athlete within the American football system.
Personal Life
Szmyt continues his professional football career with the Cleveland Browns. As an active NFL player, he maintains a presence on social media. His profile continues to grow as he establishes himself in professional football following an accomplished college career at Syracuse University.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marks Szmyt’s second year with the Cleveland Browns organization. After joining the team late in the 2024 season and winning the starting kicking job during training camp, Szmyt faced an immediate challenge in his debut regular-season game. In Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Szmyt struggled with missed kicks in the narrow 17-16 loss, including a missed extra point and a potential game-winning field goal late in the game.
Szmyt responded decisively two weeks later with a signature moment that defined his early Browns career. On September 21, 2025, he kicked a game-winning 55-yard field goal to defeat the Green Bay Packers 13-10 in a comeback victory. The clutch kick showcased his ability to perform under pressure and provided momentum for the Browns’ special teams unit. Through the early portion of the 2025 season, Szmyt has demonstrated both the challenges and promise of transitioning to NFL kicking duties.
The Browns’ coaching staff has shown confidence in Szmyt by awarding him the starting job over incumbent Dustin Hopkins and maintaining him on the roster through roster fluctuations. His ability to bounce back from early-season struggles demonstrates mental toughness essential for NFL kickers. Szmyt continues to work toward establishing himself as a reliable option for the Browns as the 2025 season progresses, with his long-distance kicking ability serving as a significant asset for the team’s special teams performance.