Andre Szmyt Bio
Andre Eric Szmyt is an American professional football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Syracuse Orange. Szmyt redshirted his true freshman year in 2017 and distinguished himself as a top performer with a record-setting college career, including winning the Lou Groza Award as the best kicker in college football in 2018. Szmyt’s notable achievements include being a unanimous All-American and leading the United Football League in field goals in 2024. Currently active in the NFL, he is known for his strong kicking abilities, including a game-winning 55-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers.
Early Life and Background
Andre Szmyt was born on September 26, 1998, in Lake Forest, Illinois. He grew up in Vernon Hills, where he attended Vernon Hills High School. Szmyt showed an early interest in football, particularly in kicking, which would later shape his career. His high school experience provided him with the foundational skills necessary for his future in college football. Szmyt went on to attend Syracuse University, where he played for the Syracuse Orange football team.
Path to American Football
Szmyt’s journey to professional football began during his time at Syracuse. He redshirted his freshman year in 2017, allowing him to develop his skills further. By 2018, Szmyt made a significant impact on the team, becoming the first Syracuse kicker and third freshman to win the Lou Groza Award. His performance during this season earned him unanimous All-American honors, showcasing his talent on a national level. Szmyt’s college career was marked by impressive statistics, including a successful conversion rate on field goals and extra points.
Andre Szmyt Career
Early Career (2023)
Andre Szmyt began his professional career when he signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2023. His time with the Bears was short-lived, as he was waived on August 8, 2023. Despite this setback, Szmyt’s determination led him to sign with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League in January 2024.
Breakthrough (2024)
Szmyt’s breakthrough came during his time with the St. Louis Battlehawks, where he re-signed with the team on August 21, 2024. His performance in the UFL caught the attention of NFL teams, leading to his signing with the Cleveland Browns practice squad on December 24, 2024. Szmyt signed a reserve/future contract with the Browns on January 6, 2025, solidifying his place in the NFL.
Notable Works and Milestones
Szmyt’s signature moment came on September 21, 2025, when he kicked a game-winning 55-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers, securing a 13–10 victory for the Browns. This achievement highlighted his potential as a reliable kicker in the league.
Andre Szmyt Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Andre Szmyt has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his college years. His most notable achievements include the Lou Groza Award and being named a unanimous All-American in 2018.
Andre Szmyt Awards Won
Andre Szmyt has won multiple awards, including the Lou Groza Award in 2018, which recognizes the best placekicker in college football. He also earned the title of unanimous All-American in the same year, showcasing his exceptional skills and performance on the field.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Lou Groza Award | 1 | 2018 |
| Unanimous All-American | 1 | 2018 |
| First-team All-ACC | 1 | 2018 |
| Third-team All-ACC | 1 | 2019 |
| UFL field goals leader | 1 | 2024 |
Andre Szmyt Family
Information regarding Andre Szmyt’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Andre Szmyt’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not disclosed to the public.
