Preseason NFL games rarely garner significant attention, often lacking the intense drama fans yearn for during the regular season. However, moments of brilliance occasionally shine through, capturing the imagination and admiration of many. Such was the case when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey lashed a remarkable 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' 27-12 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders. Aubrey's feat not only turned heads but also redefined what is achievable in preseason games.
The significance of Aubrey's achievement lies in its sheer distance, tying the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021. While preseason stats do not count in the NFL's official record book, Aubrey’s 66-yarder has certainly set a new standard for extraordinary preseason performances. The comparison to Tucker's record-breaking kick cements the rarity and excellence of Aubrey's achievement. Tucker's 2021 kick came under high-pressure circumstances, securing a dramatic 19-17 victory for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions.
Before Aubrey's stunning strike, the longest field goal in a preseason game was Ola Kimrin's 65-yard effort in 2002. Kimrin’s kick, achieved during his training camp days with the Denver Broncos, stood as the benchmark for over two decades. However, unlike Tucker and Aubrey, Kimrin’s career did not flourish in the NFL. He appeared in only five regular-season games with Washington in 2004, carrying a field goal success rate of 60%, which included a miss from beyond 50 yards.
Brandon Aubrey's ability to connect from such a distance was not a fluke. NFL's Next Gen Stats indicated that Aubrey’s 66-yarder could have been successful from as far back as 72 yards. The kicker himself affirmed this prowess, confidently noting, "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice." These insights underline the significant leg strength and technique Aubrey possesses, hinting at his potential impact in the upcoming regular season.
During the two-decade span between 2003 and 2023, the NFL witnessed the rarity of field goals surpassing the 60-yard mark. Only 29 such field goals were recorded successfully in regular-season play. This makes Aubrey's preseason accomplishment even more noteworthy, as only Tucker and Aubrey have managed kicks longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder, considering both preseason and regular-season games.
The Dallas Cowboys now find themselves with a kicker who might deliver vital game-changing moments. As the preseason concludes and teams prepare for the intensity of the regular season, Aubrey's performance offers a glimpse of the extraordinary potential he brings to the team. It is moments like these that remind us of the ever-evolving narrative in the world of sports, where new stars emerge and rewrite the history books, one kick at a time.