Preseason NFL games generally don't capture much attention, lacking the thrill and intensity that fans associate with the regular season. However, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey recently shifted the narrative with a remarkable achievement that has set a new benchmark in preseason performances.
A Record-Setting Kick
During the Cowboys' decisive 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Aubrey executed a 66-yard field goal that left spectators and analysts alike in awe. While preseason stats don't make their way into the NFL's official record book, this moment will undoubtedly be remembered as a standout in NFL preseason history.
Aubrey's astonishing kick ties the NFL overall record set by the Baltimore Ravens' Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker's record-breaking 66-yarder clinched a dramatic 19-17 win for the Ravens against the Detroit Lions, a high-pressure scenario that underscored the kicker's nerve and precision. Though Aubrey's successful kick came without such stakes, the technical brilliance remains equally impressive.
A New Standard in the Preseason
Before Aubrey's record-equalling feat, Ola Kimrin held the longest preseason field goal record with his 65-yard kick for the Denver Broncos during their 2002 training camp. Despite this notable achievement, Kimrin only played five regular-season games with Washington in 2004, maintaining a field goal success rate of 60% and missing from beyond 50 yards.
As of the writing, just four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark before Kimrin’s 65-yarder. Between 2003 and 2023, a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more were recorded in regular-season play. Aubrey and Tucker are now the only kickers to have successfully executed a field goal longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder, considering both preseason and regular-season games.
The Ability to Transform Games
According to the NFL's Next Gen Stats, Aubrey's 66-yard field goal would have been successful from a distance of 72 yards, showcasing the kicker's extraordinary range and power. Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice." This statement not only highlights his ability but also sets an exciting precedent for what fans might expect as the regular season nears.
The significance of Aubrey's achievement extends beyond the number itself. With the regular season fast approaching, the Dallas Cowboys may have unearthed a kicker capable of delivering game-changing moments. In an era where special teams can often be the difference between victory and defeat, having a reliable and exceptionally skilled kicker like Aubrey could become a pivotal asset for any team.
While preseason performances are often dismissed as mere warm-ups for the season ahead, Aubrey's 66-yard field goal serves as a reminder that extraordinary moments can come from any game, at any time. It also rekindles the excitement and anticipation that makes football a cherished sport among its millions of fans.
As the preseason winds down, all eyes will be on Brandon Aubrey and the potential he brings to the Cowboys' special teams lineup. Whether he can replicate such performances under the pressure of regular-season games remains to be seen, but his current trajectory suggests that more memorable moments are likely in store.