Preseason NFL games often fly under the radar, typically not delivering the high-stakes drama fans crave. Yet, every once in a while, a moment emerges that captures the attention of even the most casual observer. In the Dallas Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, such a moment came courtesy of kicker Brandon Aubrey.
A Historic Kick
On that fateful day, Aubrey smashed a 66-yard field goal, a feat that not only contributed to his team's win but also etched his name into NFL lore. This incredible kick tied the NFL overall record set by the Baltimore Ravens' Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker’s legendary kick came under the high-pressure circumstances of a regular-season game, sealing a dramatic 19-17 win over the Detroit Lions. While Aubrey’s feat took place in the less scrutinized environment of a preseason game, the sheer athleticism and skill required cannot be understated.
Preseason Performances
Preseason stats don’t make it into the NFL's official record book. For many players, these games serve as a platform to prove their mettle and secure a spot on the regular-season roster. Aubrey’s 66-yarder has undoubtedly set a new standard for extraordinary preseason performances. It also eclipsed the previous preseason record for the longest field goal, a 65-yard bomb by Ola Kimrin in 2002.
Kimrin’s record-setting kick during his time at the Denver Broncos' training camp was a highlight in his career, though his regular-season stint was short-lived. He played only five career regular-season games with the Washington team in 2004, achieving a 60% success rate on field goals. Remarkably, Aubrey’s field goal also carries the symbolic weight of overcoming a two-decade-old mark, further emphasizing its significance.
Rare Feats
Before Kimrin’s 65-yarder, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark. From 2003 to 2023, the NFL saw a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play. This makes Aubrey and Tucker part of an elite group, one that transcends the boundaries of preseason and regular-season games. Few can claim the ability to successfully kick a ball such distances, and fewer still have done so in game situations.
Next Gen Stats and Beyond
NFL's Next Gen Stats have indicated that Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been good from an astonishing 72 yards. This not only underlines the sheer power behind the kick but also highlights Aubrey’s potential to be a game-changer for the Cowboys. "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice," adding fuel to the speculation that he might be a significant asset for the team as the regular season approaches.
As the preseason winds down, the Dallas Cowboys seem to have found a kicker who can deliver in crucial moments. Aubrey’s performance is a promising sign for a team that is always under the microscope, and his ability to make long-distance kicks could be a game-changer. Whether he can replicate such success in the regular season remains to be seen, but for now, his name is being mentioned in the same breath as some of the greatest kickers in NFL history.
In a sport where special teams can often be overlooked, Brandon Aubrey’s remarkable feat will not be forgotten anytime soon. His 66-yard field goal in a preseason game may not count in the official record books, but it has undoubtedly made an indelible mark on the memory of those who witnessed it.