Preseason NFL games often go unnoticed, lacking the nail-biting excitement that fans crave. Yet, sometimes a standout moment can elevate preseason play to the front pages. This time, it was Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey who achieved that rare feat by smashing a 66-yard field goal. This extraordinary moment took place during the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, etching his name into the annals of NFL history.
A New Standard for Preseason Performances
While preseason statistics don't count in the NFL's official record book, Aubrey’s accomplishment has set a new standard for exceptional preseason performances. His 66-yard field goal is not just a team record but ties the NFL's overall record, a remarkable feat given the context. This milestone equaled Justin Tucker's 66-yarder in 2021, which came with consequential stakes, sealing a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions.
Beating the Benchmark
Aubrey’s long-distance kick broke the preseason record previously held by Ola Kimrin, who set a 65-yard field goal in 2002. Kimrin achieved this during the Denver Broncos' training camp, a moment that remained unmatched for two decades. Yet, despite his accomplishment, Kimrin went on to play only five regular-season games with Washington in 2004, finishing his NFL career with a 60% success rate on field goals and a miss from beyond 50 yards.
Before Kimrin’s 65-yarder, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark. In the two decades since, the NFL has seen 29 successful field goals of 60 yards or longer in regular-season play. However, excluding regular-season metrics, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to hit a field goal surpassing Kimrin's 65-yarder, making Aubrey's 66-yarder an extraordinary achievement regardless of its preseason context.
Technological Verification
For those who might question the authenticity or potential of Aubrey's kick, NFL's Next Gen Stats would beg to differ. According to their metrics, Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been good from 72 yards. This is an astounding revelation that speaks volumes about Aubrey's leg strength and accuracy. Furthermore, Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "I have successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice."
The Bigger Picture
As the team's focus shifts from preseason to regular-season play, the Dallas Cowboys might have found a kicker capable of game-changing moments. Aubrey’s record-tying kick serves not just as an individual milestone but also as a beacon of the potential impact he could bring to crucial regular-season games. While preseason stats and records may not make it to the official record books, the psychological and morale boost this moment provides can be monumental for both the player and the team.
As the countdown to the regular season begins, the Cowboys and their fans can look forward to seeing whether Aubrey can translate this preseason success into regular-season triumphs. With a kicker as powerful and confident as Aubrey, Dallas may just have the edge they need in tight, high-stakes situations where every point counts.
In the grand tapestry of the NFL, where legends are crafted through both skill and circumstance, Brandon Aubrey's 66-yard field goal stands as a testament to untapped potential and the incredible feats that can emerge from even the most overlooked moments of preseason play. The stage is set, and all eyes will be on Aubrey as the season unfolds, eager to see what other records might fall under his boot.