The preseason in the NFL often goes unnoticed by many fans, typically lacking the high-octane drama and stakes of the regular season. However, a recent game has shattered that typical narrative, thanks to an exceptional performance by Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey. During a nonchalant preseason match against the Las Vegas Raiders, Aubrey made headlines by smashing a 66-yard field goal, propelling the Cowboys to a 27-12 victory.
While preseason statistics don't get logged into the NFL's official record books, the impact of Aubrey's achievement is hard to ignore. His 66-yard field goal has set a new standard in preseason performances, linking his name to greatness. This phenomenal kick tied the NFL's overall record set by the legendary Justin Tucker back in 2021.
Setting a New Standard
Justin Tucker's record-setting kick was no less spectacular and came during a high-pressure moment, sealing a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens against the Detroit Lions. Contextually, Tucker's achievement remains unmatched in regular-season stakes. What distinguishes Aubrey, however, is the sheer distance he managed to cover, even if it was "just" a preseason game.
Before Aubrey's astounding kick, the record for the longest field goal in a preseason game was held by Ola Kimrin with his 65-yard field goal set in 2002. Kimrin achieved this feat when he was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp. Despite such a promising preseason achievement, Kimrin's career in the NFL was brief. He played only five regular-season games with Washington in 2004 and had a 60% success rate on field goals, including a significant miss from beyond 50 yards.
A League of Their Own
Aubrey's impressive 66-yarder has now placed him amongst the elite. It's worth mentioning that before Kimrin's record-breaking kick in 2002, only four field goals in NFL history had exceeded the 60-yard mark. Between 2003 and 2023, the league witnessed 29 successful field goals from over 60 yards in regular-season play.
In the grand scheme of things, both Tucker and Aubrey have accomplished field goals longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder. This is an exemplary showcase of the high-caliber talent present in today's NFL, irrespective of whether it’s the regular season or preseason. Aubrey noted with confidence, "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice."
Even the NFL's Next Gen Stats indicated that Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been successful from 72 yards, hinting at the untapped potential this kicker possesses. Such a display of athleticism certainly marks the arrival of a new era in the Dallas Cowboys' special teams.
The Road Ahead
As the NFL preseason winds down and the regular season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys may have found a game-changer in Brandon Aubrey. With such awe-inspiring capabilities evident in practice and preseason games, the team could leverage his immense talent in high-stakes situations as the regular season unfolds.
For now, Aubrey has cemented his place in NFL lore, aligning himself with Justin Tucker and surpassing the benchmarks set by predecessors like Ola Kimrin. His name won't be inked in the official records for this preseason feat, but in the hearts and minds of football enthusiasts, Brandon Aubrey has kicked himself into the spotlight.