Preseason NFL games often lurk in the shadows, failing to ignite the kind of fervor and intense drama that characterize the regular season and playoffs. Yet, certain moments transcend their preseason context, carving out a space in the annals of remarkable achievements. One such moment occurred when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey captured attention with a phenomenal 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' commanding 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
This stunning feat by Aubrey has not only elevated him in the eyes of the Cowboys' coaching staff but also set a new standard for extraordinary preseason performances. Notably, Aubrey’s 66-yard kick tied the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker’s record-setting boot was historic, clinching a narrow 19-17 victory for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions in a high-pressure regular-season game.
In contrast, Aubrey's kick came in the relatively low-stakes environment of a preseason game. Nonetheless, the sheer distance of the kick and its flawlessly executed trajectory ensured it would be remembered. According to NFL's Next Gen Stats, Aubrey’s 66-yarder could have been good from 72 yards, underscoring the magnitude of his accomplishment. Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "I have successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice."
Breaking the Preseason Record
Before Aubrey dazzled with his 66-yarder, the benchmark for the longest field goal in a preseason game was 65 yards, set by Ola Kimrin in 2002. Kimrin achieved this while part of the Denver Broncos' training camp, and his record stood unchallenged for over two decades. However, Kimrin’s career trajectory diverged significantly from what Aubrey might be poised to achieve. Kimrin ultimately played only five regular-season games in the NFL with Washington in 2004, ending his career with a 60% success rate on field goals.
Kimrin's place in NFL lore was solidified more by that singular preseason moment than by any sustained success in the league. His 65-yard field goal was one of the few kicks of such length for many years. To put things into perspective, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark before Kimrin’s achievement. From 2003 to 2023, the NFL witnessed a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play, a testament both to evolving skills and perhaps improved techniques and equipment.
Changing the Game for Dallas
With Aubrey's record-tying 66-yard field goal, the Dallas Cowboys may have uncovered a kicker capable of producing game-changing moments. The significance of having a weapon like Aubrey cannot be overstated. Field position, tactical play-calling, and scoring potential are dramatically affected when a team can call on a kicker with proven long-range capability. As Cowboys management and fans look forward to the regular season, Aubrey's performance will likely be a beacon of promise.
At the cusp of entering a new season, this extraordinary moment adds a layer of intrigue and excitement. While preseason stats don’t count in the NFL's official record book, they do serve as critical indicators of potential and readiness. Aubrey’s performance has offered a tantalizing glimpse into what could be a pivotal season for the Cowboys, bolstered by a kicker who can deliver under any circumstances.
The preseason is winding down, marking the transition to games that count and moments that define careers. Whether Aubrey's future kicks will etch his name further into NFL history remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that his 66-yard marvel has already secured him a unique place in both the Cowboys' and the league's storied traditions.