Unprecedented Performance in Preseason: Brandon Aubrey's 66-Yard Field Goal
Preseason NFL games often struggle to capture the excitement and intensity that define the regular season. Yet, every so often, an extraordinary performance brings preseason action into the spotlight. Such was the case when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey smashed a 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Aubrey’s monumental kick not only contributed to the Cowboys' triumphant win but also set a new benchmark for extraordinary preseason performances. While preseason stats don't officially count in the NFL's record book, Aubrey's 66-yarder has earned its place in the annals of football lore. By reaching this milestone, Aubrey has tied the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021, further propelling his name into the discussion of elite kickers.
Justin Tucker’s record-setting kick came during a dramatic, high-pressure moment, sealing a tight 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions. Although Aubrey's achievement occurred in a less critical scenario, it is still equally impressive considering the technical skill required to send a football flying from such a distance.
The previous preseason record for the longest field goal was held by Ola Kimrin, who kicked a remarkable 65-yarder in 2002. Kimrin was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp at the time, and his accomplishment set the standard for over two decades. Despite this early promise, Kimrin’s NFL career was relatively short-lived, playing in only five regular-season games with Washington in 2004, where he had a 60% success rate on field goals. This included a regrettable miss from beyond 50 yards.
Until now, only four field goals in NFL history had exceeded the 60-yard mark before Kimrin's record-setting kick. Between 2003 and 2023, the NFL saw a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play, demonstrating just how rare and challenging such feats are in the professional arena.
With his 66-yard field goal, Aubrey joins an elite group that surpasses Kimrin's 65-yarder, which now includes only Tucker and Aubrey himself. NFL's Next Gen Stats suggested that Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been good from an astonishing 72 yards, underscoring the sheer power and precision involved in his accomplishment.
Adding to the narrative, Aubrey has confidently stated that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice. This revelation not only highlights his potential but also signals that the Dallas Cowboys may have found a kicker capable of game-changing moments as they advance into the regular season.
As preseason winds down and the regular season looms, Aubrey's extraordinary performance will be remembered as a standout moment in what is typically a quieter period in the NFL calendar. The determination and skill it took to achieve such a remarkable feat reflect a promising future for the kicker and perhaps even a new era for the Cowboys' special teams.
In a sport where inches often dictate outcomes and pressure accompanies every play, Brandon Aubrey's 66-yard kick serves as a testament to the incredible feats athletes can achieve, even in the seemingly less important games. His name now stands alongside legends, and fans around the league will be eagerly watching to see what heights he may reach next.