CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a heart-stopping moment that few fans may have noticed, Browns kicker Andre Szmyt delivered a stunning 55-yard, game-winning field goal against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. With just two seconds left on the clock and the game tied at 10, Szmyt lined up at the Green Bay 37-yard line. Before executing his kick, he made the sign of the cross, a gesture deeply personal to him. This sign is now part of Szmyt's ritual, honoring his late mother, Lala Szmyt, who passed away unexpectedly on July 10, just days before he reported to Browns training camp with aspirations of securing a spot on an NFL roster.
“You see me cross myself before I kick, and that kind of goes back to my process and staying level in my faith,” Szmyt explained to cleveland.com after the Browns’ incredible 13-10 victory. “I know my talent is here, but I know God has a plan for everybody. And all of us. And for me.” Szmyt reflected on the surreal nature of the game, stating, “You can’t even draw up how that game — like, I still don’t even know what was just going on.”
Szmyt is navigating the complex waters of grief following the loss of his mother. This emotional journey has been tumultuous, filled with both highs and lows. After making the game-winning field goal—the longest walk-off field goal in Browns history—he felt an overwhelming urge to call his mom. “It’s great to celebrate,” he said. “My dad’s here, my sister, and that’s exciting. But I love my mom. She would be cooking for me already probably back at my apartment.”
Even in the wake of his success, Szmyt still grapples with his mother’s sudden passing due to an aneurysm. The shock was not just personal; even the medical professionals who cared for Lala were taken aback by the abrupt turn of events, given her otherwise healthy lifestyle. “They all said, ‘We’ve never seen this before,’” he recalled. “It’s hard to even take a second to be like, ‘What’s going on?’” Szmyt admits that he may not fully process his grief until the season concludes. “It’s like, how is this even real life? Because it’s so unexpected.”
Despite the emotional turmoil, Szmyt finds strength through the lessons imparted by his mother. Described in her obituary as a “remarkable woman of intellect, conviction, and adventure,” Lala was a multilingual chemist who made significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry. However, her primary focus remained on her family, dedicating time to support Szmyt during his challenging journey towards the NFL, including training sessions and home-cooked meals.
“Me and her are like this,” Szmyt said, crossing his fingers. “I was like free-agenting it up, living at home, training and stuff, waiting for a call.” The transition back to football has been challenging, but Szmyt feels empowered by his mother's memory. “Having to go back to football is obviously a lot. But I know her, God are giving me strength because I don’t know how else I’d be able to function.”
To cope with his grief, Szmyt has turned to their shared Russian Orthodox faith. During training camp, he attended services on Sunday mornings, finding comfort in his spiritual beliefs. Support from family has also played a crucial role during these tough times. Szmyt's father, Eric, has attended every Browns game this season, and his sisters have provided emotional backing, especially during critical moments.
Szmyt fondly recalls a family gathering before the Browns faced the Ravens, where his sister Julia prepared one of their mother’s favorite Russian dishes. “Even my sister says all these things happen, it’s like a sign,” he noted. “I needed that little support, to have family dinner, all that stuff, and kind of bring me down to level.”
Szmyt's journey to becoming the Browns' kicker is filled with remarkable events, including his initial signing as a backup after the team parted ways with veteran kicker Dustin Hopkins. The former Lou Groza Award winner was brought in during the offseason to provide competition. His performance during the preseason finale against the Rams, where he hit a 37-yard game-winner, solidified his place on the roster.
“To have that drive where we have the game-winner going into the roster is finalizing,” Szmyt stated. “Even (special teams coordinator) Bubba (Ventrone) said, ‘That was your mom, getting us down there in field goal range and hitting that field goal.’” Szmyt feels his mother’s presence guiding him through challenging moments.
Szmyt has received unwavering support from his teammates and coaches, who understand the weight of his personal journey. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the challenges Szmyt has faced, stating, “He’s been through a lot in his life, I would tell you. And the kid’s come through.”
Veteran defensive tackle Shelby Harris emphasized the team's unity, saying, “What type of team would we be if we just went and started attacking somebody after a little bit of struggles?” Szmyt’s hard work and resilience have made him a trusted member of the team, as noted by punter Corey Bojorquez, who praised Szmyt’s dedication and commitment to his craft.
As Szmyt celebrated his game-winning kick, he was surrounded by his teammates in a moment of triumph. Amidst the cheers and excitement, he felt the presence of his mother. “I want to do well this season for her,” he said. “She was my No. 1 fan. So I did it for my teammates and I did it for myself, obviously. But, a part of me is always going to do it for her. And I know she’s watching over me and she’s out there with me.” Szmyt’s journey not only showcases his talent as a kicker but also highlights the profound impact of love and remembrance in the face of adversity.
