The often overlooked preseason games in the NFL usually lack the high-stakes drama that captures fans' imaginations. However, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey seized the spotlight with a remarkable feat that will be remembered for seasons to come. During the Cowboys' commanding 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Aubrey unleashed a staggering 66-yard field goal. Although preseason stats don't make it to the NFL's official record book, Aubrey’s achievement sets a new benchmark for extraordinary performances in these preparatory games.
The significance of Aubrey's 66-yarder resonates deeply, tying the NFL overall record set by Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker made his record-setting kick in a high-pressure scenario, clinching a 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions. Aubrey, in contrast, showcased his talent in a game with lower stakes but equally astounded those in attendance and watching at home.
For context, Ola Kimrin held the previous preseason record for the longest field goal at 65 yards, a record that stood since 2002. Kimrin, attending the Denver Broncos' training camp when he made his legendary kick, went on to play just five regular-season games with Washington in 2004. Despite the brevity of his NFL career, his 65-yarder had remained the gold standard for preseason field goals until Aubrey's emphatic kick.
Kimrin's career success rate on field goals was a modest 60%, including misses from beyond 50 yards. Notably, Aubrey's accuracy and power have been more consistent, with NFL's Next Gen Stats indicating his 66-yarder might have been good from as far back as 72 yards. This consistency and raw power suggest Aubrey might be a game-changing asset for the Cowboys when the regular season arrives.
Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice. This blend of self-assurance and proven capability signals that Aubrey is more than ready for high-pressure moments that could decide the outcomes of pivotal games.
Statistical records show that before Kimrin set his mark, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard milestone. Between 2003 and 2023, the NFL saw a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play. This puts Aubrey's preseason performance into a broader context of evolving kicking prowess within the league. Only Aubrey and Tucker have managed to hit a field goal longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder when factoring in both the preseason and regular-season achievements.
As the preseason concludes and the regular season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys appear to have unearthed a kicker capable of delivering extraordinary moments when it matters most. Aubrey's record-tying 66-yard field goal not only brought excitement to an otherwise low-key preseason match-up but also set a thrilling precedent.
The impressive feat by Aubrey revives long-standing discussions about the evolving capabilities and significance of NFL kickers. With consistency and confidence on his side, Aubrey is positioned to become a key player in high-stakes scenarios, potentially changing the course of games for the Cowboys. Whether his kicks will prove as critical as Tucker’s unforgettable 2021 effort remains to be seen, but for now, Brandon Aubrey is a name that promises to be on every NFL fan's radar as the new season kicks off.