The preseason NFL games are often relegated to the shadows, neither bearing the high-stakes nor delivering the adrenaline-pumping drama that fans eagerly await. However, every so often, a standout moment emerges, heralding potential seismic shifts for the upcoming regular season. Such was the case in the recent clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders, where an otherwise typical preseason night was punctuated by an extraordinary feat by Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey.
Aubrey etched his name in the annals of NFL preseason lore by effortlessly launching a 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' resounding 27-12 victory. While preseason stats often fade into oblivion, Aubrey’s remarkable achievement has set a new benchmark for what is possible in these early-season matches. His 66-yard kick did more than elevate the Cowboys' score; it tied the overall NFL record held by Justin Tucker, a milestone set during a critical moment in the 2021 season.
The Legendary Kick
Justin Tucker’s captivating 66-yard field goal came during a heart-stopping contest, sealing a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions. The juxtaposition between Tucker’s high-stakes heroics and Aubrey’s preseason accomplishment underscores the latter's impressive capabilities, despite the differing contexts.
The previous preseason record for the longest field goal stood at 65 yards, a target set by Ola Kimrin in 2002 while he was with the Denver Broncos. Kimrin's achievement, which occurred during training camp, had set a formidable precedent for future kickers. However, his career did not quite mirror the early promise; Kimrin played a mere five regular-season games with Washington in 2004, achieving a modest 60% success rate on field goals.
Aubrey's Meteoric Moment
Brandon Aubrey’s 66-yard marvel doesn’t just share space with Tucker’s legendary kick but surpasses Kimrin's long-standing preseason record. Aubrey’s performance has become a new milestone, worthy of attention and applause. According to NFL's Next Gen Stats, the trajectory and power of Aubrey’s kick indicated it could have cleared the posts from an impressive 72 yards. Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "I have successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice." This statement only serves to fuel the excitement about his potential.
Field goals exceeding 60 yards have always been a rare breed in the NFL. Before Kimrin’s 65-yarder, only four such kicks had ever been executed in the league's history. Between 2003 and 2023, however, the NFL saw 29 successful attempts from 60 yards or more in regular-season play, underscoring the ongoing evolution of kicking prowess within the sport. Yet, despite these advancements, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to land a field goal longer than Kimrin's, whether in regular or preseason games.
The Road Ahead
As the preseason winds down and the echoes of Aubrey’s astounding kick begin to reverberate through the league, the Dallas Cowboys may have uncovered a critical asset in their quest for success. While preseason performances are not etched into the NFL's official records, they can signal the formation of game-changing talent. Aubrey’s achievement serves as a potent reminder that sometimes, the preseason deposits the seeds of future stardom.
With the regular season swiftly approaching, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Brandon Aubrey as he steps into more high-pressure situations. The Cowboys, who have experienced a tumultuous relationship with kickers in recent years, might find in Aubrey the reliable leg they have long sought. If his preseason performance is any indication, Brandon Aubrey may very well become a central figure in the narratives of remarkable game-ending moments.
This preseason, often a stage for benchmarks rather than brilliance, has hosted a moment that might transcend its temporal confines. Aubrey’s 66-yard field goal has not just set a new preseason standard but perhaps foreshadowed moments of unfathomable promise for the seasons ahead.