Preseason NFL games often fly under the radar, typically lacking the high-stakes drama fans crave. However, every now and then, a moment emerges from these otherwise low-pressure settings that captures attention in a big way. One such moment occurred during the Dallas Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders when kicker Brandon Aubrey smashed a 66-yard field goal, setting a new preseason benchmark and tying the NFL overall record.
Brandon Aubrey's 66-yard field goal achievement has set a new standard for extraordinary preseason performances. Before Aubrey's remarkable kick, Ola Kimrin held the preseason record with a 65-yard field goal set in 2002 while he was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp. Kimrin's kick stood unchallenged for over two decades and was a rare highlight in a career that saw him play only five regular-season games in the NFL with Washington in 2004. Kimrin had a 60% success rate on field goals, including a miss from beyond 50 yards, but his 65-yarder remained a remarkable feat in the annals of preseason football history.
Aubrey’s 66-yard field goal not only eclipsed Kimrin's long-standing preseason record but also tied the NFL's overall record for a field goal, set by Baltimore Ravens' kicker Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker's record-setting kick came during a high-pressure situation, sealing a 19-17 win for the Ravens over the Detroit Lions. Although preseason stats don't count in the NFL's official record book, Aubrey's accomplishment still stands as a testament to his potential as a game-changing kicker for the Cowboys.
NFL's Next Gen Stats indicated that Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been good from 72 yards, underscoring his extraordinary leg strength. In practice, Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards. "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice," according to the kicker. This remarkable range suggests that Aubrey could be a crucial asset for the Cowboys as they head into the regular season.
The significance of Aubrey's achievement is further highlighted when considering the evolution of long-range field goals in the NFL. Between 2003 and 2023, the league saw a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play. However, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to hit a field goal longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder, encompassing both preseason and regular-season games.
As the preseason winds down and the regular season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys may have found in Brandon Aubrey a kicker capable of delivering game-changing moments. His 66-yard field goal during a relatively low-stakes preseason game has not only earned him a place in the record books but also generated excitement and anticipation for what he might accomplish when the games start to matter.
In an era where every edge counts, the Dallas Cowboys seem to have added a valuable weapon to their arsenal. Aubrey's ability to nail long-distance field goals could dramatically alter the dynamics of close games, giving the team a strategic advantage that few other squads possess.
While preseason games are often dismissed as mere warm-ups for the real thing, moments like Aubrey's 66-yarder remind us that even these contests can produce extraordinary feats and provide a glimpse of future stars ready to make their mark.