Preseason NFL games often fly under the radar, typically not delivering the high-stakes drama fans crave. This year's Dallas Cowboys vs. Las Vegas Raiders matchup, however, broke that mold thanks to an astonishing feat by Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey.
A Record-Tying Performance
During the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Raiders, Aubrey accomplished something that will be etched in the annals of preseason lore: a 66-yard field goal. This incredible kick not only set a new standard for preseason performances but also tied the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021.
Tucker's record-setting kick came during a high-pressure situation, sealing a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions. While Aubrey’s kick may not carry the same high-stakes weight, it’s a noteworthy achievement that has firmly planted his name alongside some of the best in the sport.
Breaking an Old Preseason Record
Prior to Aubrey’s extraordinary kick, the longest field goal in a preseason game stood at 65 yards. That record was set by Ola Kimrin, who was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp back in 2002. Kimrin, who eventually played only five career regular-season games in the NFL for Washington, had a 60% success rate on field goals, including a miss from beyond 50 yards.
Interestingly, before Kimrin's 65-yarder, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark. Between 2003 and 2023, the NFL saw a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play. Aubrey’s achievement, therefore, is not just a momentary flash but a potential harbinger of a future star in the making.
A Moment to Remember
NFL's Next Gen Stats indicate that Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been good from 72 yards, a jaw-dropping distance. "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice," underscoring his potential to deliver game-changing performances.
The kick also positions the Dallas Cowboys as a team to watch. With the preseason winding down and the regular season fast approaching, Aubrey's performance suggests that the Cowboys may have found a kicker capable of altering the dynamics of close games with his exceptional range and accuracy.
The game against the Raiders may have been a preseason matchup, often considered a warm-up for teams and a final opportunity for players to make their mark before the regular season begins. However, Brandon Aubrey’s 66-yard field goal has done more than just warm up the crowd—it has electrified it.
As the Cowboys and other NFL teams gear up for the regular season, all eyes will be on Aubrey, waiting to see if he can replicate or even surpass his record-tying feat in games that count. Given his track record in practice and now in a game setting, the possibilities seem endless for this talented kicker.
It’s rare for preseason games to capture the imagination of the fans so vividly, but Brandon Aubrey's milestone has done just that. Regardless of how the rest of his career unfolds, this moment will remain a testament to his skill, poise, and potential. As the NFL continues to evolve, Aubrey's 66-yard kick may serve as a new benchmark for what future kickers aspire to achieve, both in preseason and regular-season play.
The Dallas Cowboys appear to have unearthed a gem in Brandon Aubrey—a kicker who not only ties records but also sets new standards for what is possible in the NFL.