Preseason NFL games often fly under the radar, typically not delivering the high-stakes drama fans crave. Yet, during the Dallas Cowboys' recent 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, kicker Brandon Aubrey managed to turn heads with a moment that will be remembered long after the regular season begins.
Aubrey smashed a 66-yard field goal, setting a new standard for extraordinary preseason performances. Though pre-season stats don't count in the NFL's official record book, this achievement hasn't gone unnoticed. Aubrey’s monumental kick not only etched his name in the annals of preseason history but also tied the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021.
A Record-Matching Feat
Justin Tucker’s record-setting 66-yard kick came during a high-pressure situation, sealing a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions. Aubrey’s kick, while not in a game with the same stakes, is equally impressive and significant. Before Aubrey's remarkable kick, the previous preseason record for the longest field goal stood at 65 yards, set by Ola Kimrin in 2002.
The Weight of History
Kimrin, who was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp at the time, ultimately played only five career regular-season games with Washington in 2004, sporting a 60% success rate on field goals. Despite a career with only moderate figures, his 65-yard preseason kick was a benchmark that lasted for more than two decades.
Before Kimrin's record, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark. Between 2003 and 2023, the league saw a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play. Nonetheless, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to hit a field goal longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder, considering both preseason and regular-season games.
The New Standard
Reflecting on his feat, Aubrey confidently noted, "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice." This level of performance is corroborated by NFL's Next Gen Stats, which indicated that Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been good from 72 yards. Such numbers underline Aubrey's extraordinary ability and potential to become a game-changer for the Dallas Cowboys.
Future Implications
As the preseason winds down and the regular season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys may have found more than just a reliable kicker; they might have discovered a player capable of game-changing moments. Aubrey’s success is a promising sign for a team that frequently contends for excellence and grander victories.
As preseason exhibitions typically serve as a proving ground for emerging talent, Aubrey’s performance is a reminder that notable feats can happen at any time. While his 66-yard kick won't appear in the official records, it has undeniably set a new baseline for what can be achieved in the preseason, adding a layer of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Brandon Aubrey’s talent unfolds in the regular season. His stunning 66-yard field goal, achieved in a relatively low-stakes setting, is a precursor to the high-pressure situations that lie ahead. If his performance in practice and his recent show of prowess are any indicators, Aubrey might well be on the path to becoming one of the standout kickers in the NFL.
For now, the Cowboys have every reason to feel optimistic about their offseason discovery. It’s rare to see such phenomenal talent emerge so prominently in preseason play, setting the stage for what could be an unforgettable journey for both the player and his team in the months to come.