Browns K Andre Szmyt Sends Heartfelt Message to Dustin Hopkins After Winning Competition

Andre Szmyt proved once again that kickers have the friendliest position battles in NFL training camps.

Szmyt, who won the Cleveland Browns kicker role, opened up about his relationship with Dustin Hopkins after Hopkins was released at cutdown day.

Szmyt, a 26-year-old NFL undrafted rookie from Syracuse that played professionally for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL, won the role over Hopkins. Hopkins, a veteran of 10 NFL seasons, had been Cleveland’s kicker since 2023.

What Did Andre Szmyt Say About Dustin Hopkins?

Though he was the incumbent, Hopkins’ chances of making the Browns had dropped substantially after his woeful 2024 season.

The now-34-year-old made just 18 of 27 field goals (66.7 percent) and had the lowest single-season extra-point percentage of his career (85.0) as well.

Hopkins made all three field goals he attempted in the preseason but missed two extra points, including one in the preseason finale Saturday.

On the contrary, Szmyt sent the Cleveland coaching staff a better final impression, likely winning the role with his game-winning 37-yard field goal in its 19-17 win over the Los Angeles Rams in each team’s preseason finale.

“I’ve had game-winners before, not in the NFL, but they’re always exciting,” Szmyt said. “You feel the same kind of adrenaline, but you also are super-locked in; game-winners are a special kind of beast. It was exciting to get it done.”

Still, Szmyt shared his appreciation for Hopkins’ support throughout the competition and told reporters he met with Hopkins and offered well wishes after the decision was finalized.

“He meant a lot to me,” Szmyt said. “He’s one of the best guys, like, I’ve ever met.

“We briefly caught each other in the locker room, and we said some nice words to each other.”

It’s possible Hopkins could catch on with another team, since injuries and inconsistency can lead to temporary jobs. After spending his first six seasons in Washington, Hopkins bounced to the Los Angeles Chargers before landing in Cleveland.

Szmyt said he’d be pulling for his now-former teammate wherever he ends up.

“I’m always going to be rooting for him, and I know he’ll be doing the same for me,” Szmyt said. “I have nothing but love for him and respect.”

What Did Andre Szmyt Say About Making The Browns?

Szmyt admitted he was anxious to hear the news. But with the kicking competition over it’s now about showing the NFL what he can do.

“I’ve been working on my craft for a while now,” Szmyt said. “It’s exciting, but I’m kind of already focused on Week 1 and preparing and staying on my course.”

Now, Szmyt is on a special-teams group with Browns punter Corey Bojorquez and long snapper Rex Sunahara, who he called “a tight-knit group” and “the best guys ever.”

But Szmyt also is relishing the opportunity to finally kick in the NFL.

“I think there’s a lot of emotion that goes into (kicking),” Szmyt said. “There’s so much uncertainty in the NFL. I’m just super grateful to be here and I’ll take advantage of every opportunity I get and put my best foot forward.”