In the world of NFL pre-season football, standout moments are few and far between. Often overshadowed by the anticipation of the regular season, these games rarely offer the high-stakes drama fans crave. Yet, every so often, an exceptional performance can elevate the preseason narrative to must-watch territory. Such was the case when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey etched his name into the NFL's lore with a remarkable 66-yard field goal during a 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Aubrey’s 66-yarder, though not counting towards official NFL records due to its preseason status, has nonetheless set a new standard for extraordinary preseason performances. The kick not only secured a commanding lead for the Cowboys but also tied the NFL overall record set by the venerable Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker’s awe-inspiring kick had come during a high-pressure scenario, clinching a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions – a moment seared into the memories of NFL fans.
Prior to Aubrey’s display, Ola Kimrin held the preseason record with a 65-yard field goal accomplished in 2002 while he was with the Denver Broncos. Kimrin’s field goal was one of the rare long-distance successes, setting a high bar for preseason performances. Over his brief NFL career, which included just five regular-season games with Washington in 2004, Kimrin managed a 60% success rate on field-goal attempts, including a missed effort from beyond 50 yards. His 65-yard record stood as the pinnacle of preseason achievements in kicking until Aubrey’s recent feat.
Reflecting on the historical context, it's notable that before Kimrin’s record-setting kick, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark. Between 2003 and 2023, the NFL witnessed 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play, a testament to the increasing leg strength and precision of modern kickers. Yet, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to strike a field goal longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder, considering both preseason and regular-season games.
According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Aubrey’s 66-yarder could have been good from an astounding 72 yards, underscoring the impressive leg strength he possesses. “Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice,” showcasing a latent potential that the Cowboys may well rely on as they gear up for the regular season.
With the preseason winding down, the regular season looms on the horizon, and the Dallas Cowboys might have found a kicker capable of delivering game-changing moments when they matter the most. Aubrey’s display is more than just a preseason highlight; it signals the potential emergence of a new talent ready to thrive under the bright lights of the regular season. In a sport where every point counts, the discovery of a reliable, long-distance kicker could prove invaluable to the Cowboys' aspirations.
As fans turn their attention to the upcoming season, Aubrey’s spectacular field goal stands as a reminder that sometimes, even in the quieter moments of preseason, history can be made.