Preseason NFL games are often overlooked, rarely capturing the intensity and excitement typical of regular-season matchups. However, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey's remarkable performance has changed that narrative, at least temporarily.
A Record-Setting Kick
In a recent preseason game, Aubrey delivered an astonishing 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' 27-12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. This kick not only secured a victory for the Cowboys but also set a new benchmark for preseason achievements, equaling the NFL's overall field goal record.
Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens set the previous record with his memorable 66-yard field goal in 2021. Tucker’s kick was a dramatic game-winner, clinching a 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions amidst significant pressure. Aubrey, while matching Tucker's distance, achieved his feat in the less stressful environment of a preseason game.
Surpassing Preseason Legends
Before Aubrey’s stunning kick, the longest field goal in an NFL preseason game was 65 yards. This record was set by Ola Kimrin in 2002 while he was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp. Unfortunately, Kimrin’s NFL career was short-lived; he appeared in only five regular-season games with Washington in 2004, managing a field goal success rate of 60%, with notable misses from beyond 50 yards.
Kimrin's 65-yard effort was a remarkable achievement at the time, especially considering that, prior to his kick, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark. Aubrey's 66-yard kick thus marks a significant milestone, not just for a preseason game but for the history of the league.
Next Gen Stats: The Future of Field Goals
NFL's Next Gen Stats provided some fascinating insights into Aubrey’s kick, suggesting it could have been successful from as far as 72 yards. This data highlights the extraordinary power and precision Aubrey brings to his role as kicker. "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice," underscoring his potential for game-changing performances in the regular season.
A Promising Talent for the Cowboys
As the preseason winds down and the regular season approaches, Aubrey's incredible feat offers a tantalizing glimpse of his capabilities. The Dallas Cowboys appear to have found a kicker primed for delivering in critical moments. While his 66-yard field goal in a preseason game may not count towards official NFL records, it certainly sets the stage for what could be a standout season for Aubrey and the Cowboys.
Between 2003 and 2023, the NFL saw 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play. Aubrey now joins an elite group of kickers, including only Tucker and himself, who have hit field goals longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder in both preseason and regular-season games.
As Aubrey continues to showcase his exceptional leg strength and accuracy, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can transfer his preseason success into regular-season glory. His contributions could be a pivotal factor in the Cowboys' quest for excellence this season.