NFL preseason games largely go unnoticed, offering little of the high-stakes drama that characterizes the regular season. Yet, when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey recently shattered expectations with a 66-yard field goal, it was impossible to overlook. This astonishing feat came in the Cowboys' commanding 27-12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
While preseason statistics may not make it into the NFL’s official record book, Aubrey’s achievement has certainly set a new standard for extraordinary performances. In a display of sheer athleticism, Aubrey’s 66-yard kick not only marked a personal milestone but also tied the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021.
A Record-Breaking Moment
Tucker's iconic record-setting kick occurred during a high-pressure situation, sealing a 19-17 victory for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions. In contrast, Aubrey's stunning 66-yarder happened in the relatively low-pressure context of a preseason game. Nonetheless, the difficulty and skill required to execute such a kick remain monumental.
Before Aubrey’s groundbreaking kick, the previous preseason record for the longest field goal stood at 65 yards, set by Ola Kimrin in 2002. Kimrin's remarkable achievement was the benchmark for over two decades. Notably, Kimrin was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp when he delivered his record-setting kick, but his NFL career was short-lived. He only played five regular-season games and managed a 60% success rate on his field-goal attempts, including a miss from beyond 50 yards.
A Future Legend in the Making?
The rarity of such long-distance field goals can't be overstated. Between 2003 and 2023, the NFL witnessed just 29 successful field goals of 60 yards or more during regular-season play. Indeed, only Tucker and Aubrey have achieved field goals longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder, considering both preseason and regular-season games. Considering the context, Aubrey's 66-yarder is exceptional, igniting hopes of his potential to impact the league profoundly.
Aubrey’s kick garnered even more attention when NFL's Next Gen Stats revealed that his 66-yarder would have been good from an impressive 72 yards. This statistic adds to the growing lore around the kicker, who has confidently noted, "Aubrey himself has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice."
Such feats not only inspire admiration but also send waves through the Cowboys' camp. As the preseason winds down and the regular season looms, the Dallas Cowboys may have just found a kicker who can deliver in game-changing moments.
Implications for the Cowboys
Aubrey's extraordinary performance establishes a new benchmark for preseason excellence and hints at his potential to make waves in the regular season. If his current trajectory is any indication, Aubrey might soon become a household name among NFL fans and a game-changer for the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys’ coaching staff must be feeling optimistic. The opportunity to utilize a kicker with such immense range can dramatically alter game strategies, particularly in clutch situations where every yard counts.
With the regular season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Brandon Aubrey. Can he translate his preseason heroics to regular-season success? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the NFL's landscape has just gotten a lot more interesting with this emerging talent.