Andre Szmyt, the Cleveland Browns' rookie kicker, etched his name into franchise history with a stunning 55-yard game-winning field goal against the Green Bay Packers. But this wasn't just another victory; it was a deeply personal triumph, a tribute to his late mother, Lala Szmyt, who passed away unexpectedly just weeks before the start of training camp.
The dramatic kick, executed with two seconds remaining, followed a pre-kick ritual: Szmyt makes the sign of the cross, a gesture dedicated to his mother. "You see me cross myself before I kick; that's part of my process, staying grounded in my faith," Szmyt shared with reporters after the exhilarating 13-10 win. "I know my talent is there, but I believe God has a plan." The emotional weight of the moment was palpable; Szmyt admitted he still hadn't fully processed his grief, describing the past few months as a surreal dream.
The victory was bittersweet. While celebrating with his father and sisters, Szmyt felt the absence of his mother keenly. "She'd be cooking for me right now," he reflected, highlighting the close bond they shared. This connection extended to both his triumphs and setbacks. Following a disappointing Week 1 performance where he missed key kicks, Lala was the first person he longed to call for support. Her sudden death from an aneurysm, described by doctors as an unprecedented event given her health, left Szmyt grappling with a profound loss.
Despite his grief, Szmyt found strength in his faith and family. Lala, described in her obituary as a remarkable woman of intellect, conviction, and adventure, instilled in him invaluable life lessons. Their daily routines, from cooking to grocery shopping, fostered a deep connection that fueled Szmyt's determination to succeed in the NFL. He found solace in their shared Russian Orthodox faith, attending services during training camp to find peace amidst the emotional turmoil.
The support of his family was unwavering. His father attended every game, his sister Elisabeth was present at Sunday's game, and a family gathering before the Ravens game, where they prepared one of his mother’s favorite Russian dishes, seemed to provide a boost. Szmyt believes these moments played a role in his subsequent strong performances.
Szmyt's journey to the Browns wasn't straightforward. He joined the team after veteran Dustin Hopkins was released, initially serving as a backup. His impressive preseason performance, culminating in a game-winning field goal against the Rams, solidified his position. However, the team has been clear that his consistent effort throughout his time with the Browns, even including a brief stint on their practice squad, secured his place. Both coaches and teammates praised his work ethic and dedication, noting his commitment to his craft despite the personal challenges he was facing. His 55-yard kick wasn't just a victory; it was a powerful testament to his resilience, his faith, and his enduring love for his mother.
For Szmyt, the victory is a symbol of his mother's legacy, a dedication to the woman who believed in him unconditionally. He aims to honor her memory with continued success throughout the season, carrying her love and support with him on the field.
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Originally published at: https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2025/09/i-did-it-for-her-browns-kicker-andre-szmyt-dedicates-55-yard-game-winner-to-late-mom.html
