Preseason NFL games often fly under the radar, typically not delivering the high-stakes drama fans crave. However, this year's preseason saw a remarkable feat that certainly captured attention: Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey smashed a 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. While preseason stats don't count in the NFL's official record book, Aubrey’s achievement has set a new standard for extraordinary preseason performances.
What makes Aubrey's kick even more incredible is its historical context. His 66-yarder tied the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker's legendary kick came during a high-pressure situation, sealing a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions on the game's final play. It was a game-winner that has since become a memorable moment in NFL lore.
A Record-Setting Preseason Performance
Unlike Tucker, Aubrey achieved his remarkable feat in the less-pressure-packed environment of a preseason game, yet it doesn't diminish the impressiveness of the kick. Aubrey did more than just make a long kick; he shattered the preseason record for the longest field goal. Before this, the benchmark was a 65-yarder set by Ola Kimrin in 2002. Kimrin, who was then a part of the Denver Broncos' training camp, drilled his record-setting kick just before halftime in a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Kimrin's journey offers an interesting backdrop to Aubrey's success. Competing with established kicker Jason Elam, Kimrin didn’t make the Broncos roster despite his record-breaking kick. Ultimately, he played only five career regular-season games in the NFL with Washington in 2004, achieving a rather modest 60% success rate on field goals, including a miss from beyond 50 yards.
The Evolution of Long-Distance Kicking
In retrospect, Kimrin's 65-yard field goal was groundbreaking. At that time, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark. His kick didn’t just set a preseason record; it temporarily held the all-time NFL record, which stood at 63 yards before his milestone achievement. Between 2003 and 2023, the NFL saw a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play, indicating a significant evolution in the prowess and training of kickers over the past two decades.
Reflecting on Aubrey’s recent success, it’s noteworthy that including both preseason and regular-season games, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to hit a field goal longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder. This places Aubrey in an elite group of NFL kickers, showcasing his exceptional talent even before the official regular season kicks off.
Breaking the Mold
What further underscores Aubrey's potential is a fascinating detail from NFL's Next Gen Stats: Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been good from an astounding 72 yards. This remarkable stat highlights not only his strength but also his potential to continue making headlines in the kicking game. Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice, suggesting that his talent may well extend beyond what we witnessed in the Raiders game.
As the preseason winds down and the regular season approaches, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Aubrey and whether he can translate this preseason success into regular-season glory. If his 66-yard field goal is any indication, the Dallas Cowboys may have found a kicker capable of game-changing moments, reminiscent of Justin Tucker’s historic achievements.