Browns Kicker Andre Szmyt Shares Emotional Message After Game-Winnner
Posted September 22, 2025
Not only did Andre Szmyt kick the Cleveland Browns to their first win of the season, but the rookie placekicker honored his late mother in the process.
The Browns kicker shared his human side after blasting home a 55-yard, game-winning field goal in their stunning, 13-10 win over the Green Bay Packers at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday.
The Browns (1-2) unseated the previously unbeaten Packers while rallying from a 10-point, fourth-quarter hole. Szmyt went 2 for 2 on field goals, including the game-winning kick, and also made an extra point in the fourth quarter.
What Did Andre Szmyt Say About Making The Game-Winning Field Goal vs Green Bay?
Szmyt, the rookie who won the job in the preseason, had missed a potential game-winning kick in Week 1 against the rival Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland’s 17-16 loss at home.
Yet, when he lined up to kick the potential winning field goal against the Packers on Sunday, Szmyt’s thoughts weren’t on that. They were on his mother Lala, who passed away July 10 at age 66 due to a brain aneurysm.
“I know she’s there with me, giving me strength and support,” Szmyt said. “When I make these kicks, the first thing I think about is her and how she’d love to be here.
“I do it for her. She was like my biggest fan.”
Szmyt’s father and sister were in attendance and got to see him improve to 4 for 5 on field goals and 4 for 5 on extra points as a pro — he also missed an extra point in Cleveland’s opener against the Bengals.
“Tough games like Week 1, it feels like everything is crashing down,” Szmyt said. “That’s something I have to tell myself, like in Week 1: there’s a lot more going on in life than kicking in stuff. Obviously, I put so much into my craft, and this is my life. This is my everything. But at the end of the day, I still have to take it with a grain of salt.
But Szmyt also missed having his mom around to see him make game-winning kicks in the NFL.
“Wins like this, and hitting game-winners, it feels obviously unbelievable,” Szmyt said. “It’d be even sweeter if she was here. I know she’s watching, and she’s there.”
What Did The Browns Say About Andre Szmyt’s Game-Winning Kick?
The kicker position is perhaps the most maligned role in the NFL by coaches and teammates.
Yet, the Browns lauded their kicker for delivering in the clutch.
“[Szmyt] came through at the end,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “I’m really proud of that young man. I’m happy for that young man. He’s been through a lot, and he came through.”
Myles Garrett, the heart of Cleveland’s defense who helped the Browns defense keep the high-octane Packers to just 10 points, spoke of his confidence in Szmyt despite his struggles. Garrett could see Szmyt’s belief win out — even after his shake performance at home against Cincinnati.
“He knows who he is,” Garrett said. “One moment doesn’t define you. He was waiting for this opportunity to come again, and we knew he was ready.
“He was excited to get the opportunity when the game was on the line again, and he made the most of it. We couldn’t be prouder of him.”
Browns Make Joe Flacco Decision After Beating Packers
The Cleveland Browns made their stance on Joe Flacco clear following a gritty 13-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Cleveland’s offense sputtered for much of the afternoon, failing to score until late in the fourth quarter. Andre Szmyt broke the drought with a 35-yard field goal at the 3:38 mark, and a Grant Delpit interception set up rookie Quinshon Judkins for a 1-yard touchdown plunge.
Green Bay nearly had the final say, lining up for a potential game-winning kick with under a minute left. But the Browns blocked it, giving Szmyt one more chance. The rookie kicker delivered, drilling a 55-yarder as time expired to secure the dramatic victory.
Despite the win, Flacco’s play remained a central storyline. The 40-year-old struggled to move the offense, finishing 21 of 36 for 142 yards with an interception — his fifth turnover in three games.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the offensive inconsistency but said he never considered benching Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel to provide a spark.
“I’m just focusing on doing what I think is best for the team,” Stefanski said of his reasoning to stick with Flacco.
Stefanski emphasized that injuries along the offensive line, particularly at tackle, only magnified the challenges of going up against a stout Packers defensive front.
“That’s a great defense. I’m confident saying that’s a great defense. We had injuries early to our tackles,” Stefanski said. “They made life really hard.”
Browns QB Joe Flacco: ‘It Wasn’t Pretty’
The game was not an offensive showcase. Neither side cracked 230 total yards. Flacco admitted playing in that type of game isn’t easy, but he’s focused on playing his role.
“It’s hard. It’s hard to go out there and play in games like today,” Flacco said. “But that’s what football is sometimes. With the type of defense we have, it’s about going out there and capitalizing on turnovers and not making mistakes. It wasn’t pretty today. It was tough and there were times down the field where guys were open but I just didn’t make it happen. You feel for the group as a whole. Everyone wants to go out there and perform and put up numbers, points, yards, all that stuff. Part of your job as a quarterback is to get that done. But also, your job is to win a football game and play your role.”
The Browns’ offense was showered with boos in the second half as the scoreboard stayed stuck at zero. Even in his 18th season, Flacco acknowledged the noise still gets to him.
“You’re a person. You’re human. It hurts you a little bit and you want to react to it. But you can’t,” Flacco said. “Being a pro and being in this sport, you can’t be that guy. You will not survive. We’re all human and it affects people. But you have to be able to rally, at least fake it, and bring it to life.”
Browns Considered Starting Dillon Gabriel Against Packers
Through three games, Flacco has passed for 631 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He also had a fumble returned for a touchdown against the Ravens during a 41-17 blowout.
The Browns at least considered making a chance to Gabriel in the week leading up to the Packers game, per Brad Stainbrook.
“Earlier this week, Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees spent much of Monday in meetings weighing whether to hand the job to rookie Dillon Gabriel, per league sources close to the situation,” Stainbrook said. “The staff ultimately decided to stick with Flacco for another week, but the leash is short.”
The Browns head to Detroit next week with a chance to move to .500. Coming off the win, Cleveland will likely continue rolling with Flacco.
