WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — Zach Smith, a native of Westborough, is moving to New York City for a new job — but it’s not just with any old company. 

The 24-year-old, who was diagnosed with high-functioning autism at the age of two, landed his dream job as a statistician for the National Football League in New York City.

After graduating magna cum laude from Worcester State University with a communications degree, Smith spent more than one year applying to various jobs with no response. But then, he got the one “yes” he was looking for. 

“It did take some time before I landed work after graduation,” explained Smith. “It was a very frustrating process, and I thought that it would take a lot of time before something happened. I applied for over three dozen jobs from last summer until this past June when the NFL took me on. In fact, the NFL was the only job that I applied to that followed back with an interview.”

Smith found the NFL job through Best Buddies’ job program in New York. Smith has been a longtime member of the organization, joining in high school and starting his service as a “buddy director” his sophomore year. 

“At the end of April, two weeks after reconnecting with my job consultant and two job coaches, I found the NFL job,” he said. “I went through the interview process and got the job in late June after a six-and-a-half week wait. I’m super thankful for Best Buddies’ support in helping me land this job, and I’m hopeful that it will help me shape my career.”

Smith even got a special VIP shoutout from a new England legend. Tom Brady, who has partnered with Best Buddies over the years, congratulated Smith on Instagram. 

Tom Brady’s instagram post.

“One NFL employee throwing a touchdown to another!” wrote Brady. “My Friend Zach from @BestBuddies is joining the @NFL as a statistician. Congrats Zach! Keep up the great work.”

Smith is now situated in his New York City apartment, pursuing his dreams.

“I just moved into my apartment,” said Smith. “It’s a brand-new building located only five minutes from the NFL. After being here for a week now, I feel as if I’m an established New Yorker!”