Andre 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 built a reputation as one of the most accurate kickers in college football during his time with the Syracuse Orange. He currently wears jersey No. 25 for the Cleveland Browns and is recognized for his strong leg, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure.
After a record-setting college career, Andre Eric Szmyt transitioned to the professional level in 2023. He is best known for winning the Lou Groza Award in 2018 and for his game-winning 55-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers during the 2025 NFL season.
Early Life and Background
Andre Eric Szmyt was born and raised in Lake Forest, Illinois, a suburb north of Chicago. He grew up in a supportive environment that encouraged his early interest in sports. Szmyt attended Vernon Hills High School in Vernon Hills, Illinois, where he developed into one of the most reliable kickers in the region.
During his high school years, Szmyt showcased a strong leg and impressive accuracy, qualities that quickly drew the attention of college recruiters. His dedication to his craft set the foundation for what would become a decorated collegiate career. The disciplined work ethic he developed in his formative years continues to define his professional approach today.
Path to American Football
Szmyt’s path to professional American Football began when he committed to Syracuse University, where he joined the Syracuse Orange football program. He redshirted his true freshman year in 2017, using the time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the college game while earning a place on the Syracuse Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
That patience paid off in 2018, when Szmyt exploded onto the national scene. He became the first Syracuse kicker and only the third freshman to win the Lou Groza Award, presented annually to the best kicker in college football. He was also named a unanimous All-American that year, becoming the first Syracuse player to earn the honor since Dwight Freeney in 2001. These achievements marked his transition from a promising prospect to one of the most talked-about special teams players in the nation.
Andre Szmyt Career
Early Career (2017-2019)
Andre Eric Szmyt’s early career at Syracuse was nothing short of remarkable. In his redshirt freshman season of 2018, he connected on 30 of 34 field goal attempts and was a perfect 61-for-61 on extra points. He also booted a season-long 54-yard field goal in a loss to Pittsburgh, demonstrating his ability to make kicks from long distance.
The following year, in 2019, Szmyt remained a steady presence for the Orange. He made 17 of 20 field goal attempts, including a 50-yard field goal in a loss at Florida State. He capped the regular season with a dramatic performance against Wake Forest, hitting a 49-yard game-tying kick with 44 seconds remaining and a 40-yard field goal in overtime to seal a 39-30 victory.
College Breakthrough (2020-2022)
As a junior in the shortened 2020 season, Szmyt continued his strong play, making 9 of 11 field goal attempts despite the limited schedule. His 2021 campaign, however, was more challenging, as he connected on just 9 of 14 field goal attempts. The dip in production coincided with coaching changes and frequent changes among his holders, which affected his rhythm and consistency.
Szmyt rebounded in 2022 under new special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky. That season, he made 20 of 26 field goals and was a perfect 40-for-40 on extra point attempts. His improved accuracy and leadership helped solidify his reputation as one of the top kicking prospects heading into the NFL.
Cleveland Browns Era (2024-Present)
Andre Eric Szmyt signed with the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad on December 24, 2024, after a stint in the UFL. He signed a reserve/future contract with the team on January 6, 2025, was briefly waived and re-signed during the offseason, and ultimately made the Browns’ initial 53-man roster on August 26, 2025, beating out incumbent Dustin Hopkins for the starting kicking job.
His Browns debut was rocky. On September 7, 2025, Szmyt missed an extra point that would have tied the game and later missed a potential game-winning field goal in a 17-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The performance drew criticism from fans and media. However, Szmyt responded just two weeks later with a clutch 55-yard game-winning field goal to lift the Browns to a 13-10 comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers on September 21, 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Szmyt is known for his strong leg, capable of making kicks from beyond 50 yards with consistency. His greatest strength is his poise in high-pressure moments, a quality he has demonstrated repeatedly, including his game-winning kick against the Green Bay Packers. His partnership with the Browns’ special teams unit and his renewed focus after the Cincinnati struggles highlight his mental toughness and ability to bounce back.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Andre Eric Szmyt’s most memorable moments is his 55-yard game-winning field goal against the Green Bay Packers in 2025, which silenced early-season doubters. He also holds the distinction of being the first Syracuse kicker to win the Lou Groza Award and the first Syracuse player to earn unanimous All-American honors since Dwight Freeney in 2001. His leadership of the UFL in field goals made in 2024 further cemented his reputation as a reliable kicker at every level.
Andre Szmyt Career Wins
Andre Eric Szmyt’s career highlights span the collegiate and professional ranks. While individual kickers do not accumulate traditional win totals like position players, Szmyt has delivered several game-deciding kicks and earned multiple individual awards that reflect his impact on the field.
Cleveland Browns Highlights
During the 2025 NFL season, Andre Eric Szmyt made the Cleveland Browns’ opening 53-man roster and quickly became a key contributor to the team’s special teams unit. His most notable moment came on September 21, 2025, when he drilled a 55-yard game-winning field goal against the Green Bay Packers. Through his early NFL appearances, he has converted 24 of 27 field goal attempts and 25 of 26 extra point attempts, with a long of 55 yards and 13 touchbacks.
Other Wins and Performances
In 2024, Andre Eric Szmyt led the UFL in field goals made while playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks, establishing himself as a dependable professional kicker. Earlier, at Syracuse, he earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2018 and third-team All-ACC recognition in 2019, leaving college as one of the most decorated kickers in program history.
Andre Szmyt Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Andre Eric Szmyt’s family background is limited. He grew up in Lake Forest, Illinois, where his family supported his early athletic development. Detailed records about his parents and any extended family in athletics are not widely available.
Personal Life
Andre Eric Szmyt maintains a private personal life. There are no publicly verified reports regarding a spouse or children. He remains focused on his professional football career and continues to build his reputation in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season has been a defining chapter in Andre Eric Szmyt’s young career. After winning the Cleveland Browns’ kicking job in training camp, he faced immediate adversity with missed kicks in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. The early struggles drew heavy scrutiny, but Szmyt quickly silenced his critics with a dramatic game-winning field goal against the Green Bay Packers two weeks later.
Through his early appearances in 2025, Szmyt has been remarkably accurate, converting nearly 89 percent of his field goal attempts and over 96 percent of his extra point tries. His performance has provided the Browns with a reliable special teams weapon and a kicker capable of changing the outcome of close games.
Looking ahead, the outlook for Andre Eric Szmyt and the Cleveland Browns remains promising. With a strong leg, proven mental toughness, and the confidence of his coaching staff, Szmyt is positioned to remain the team’s primary kicker. His ability to bounce back from early-season struggles suggests he has the resilience needed for a long and productive NFL career.
