Preseason NFL games often fly under the radar, typically not delivering the high-stakes drama fans crave. However, sometimes moments of brilliance emerge, reminding fans and players alike of the true thrill of football. One such moment occurred when 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 66-yard field goal achievement has set a new standard for extraordinary preseason performances.
Setting a New Benchmark
Brandon Aubrey's 66-yarder tied the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker’s record-setting kick came during a high-pressure situation, sealing a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions. Comparatively, while the stakes were lower in the preseason game, Aubrey's accomplishment shouldn't be overshadowed. Preseason, after all, serves the essential role of preparing players for the high intensity of the regular season, and achieving such a feat in any setting is no small feat.
The previous preseason record for the longest field goal was set at 65 yards by Ola Kimrin in 2002. Kimrin was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp when he set his 65-yard kick record. However, despite such a memorable performance, Kimrin ultimately played only five career regular-season games in the NFL with Washington in 2004, achieving a 60% success rate on field goals in his career, including a miss from beyond 50 yards.
A League of Record Setters
As of the writing, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark before Kimrin's 65-yarder. Between 2003 and 2023, the NFL saw a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play. Yet, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to hit a field goal longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder, considering both preseason and regular-season games. This places Aubrey in a select group of kickers known for pushing the boundaries of kicking distance in the sport.
NFL's Next Gen Stats indicated that Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been good from 72 yards. Such a statistic underlines the potential that Aubrey has as a premium kicker in the league. Highlighting his supreme confidence, Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice." Such statements not only reassure fans but also hint at thrilling possibilities for the upcoming regular season.
The Bigger Picture
As the preseason winds down and the regular season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys may have found a kicker capable of game-changing moments. Aubrey's recent heroics have certainly earned him a spot in the conversations of fans and pundits alike, propelling him into the limelight as a player to watch. It remains to be seen how he will perform when the regular season stakes rise, but for now, his ability to deliver from astonishing distances offers a tantalizing glimpse of his potential impact.
Aubrey’s remarkable achievement this preseason has given the Cowboys—and indeed, the NFL—a reinvigorated appreciation for the often underappreciated kicker position. His performance serves as a testament to the excitement and surprises that football, in any form, can bring. For football enthusiasts, it's a reminder that history can be made at any moment, preseason or not.
In conclusion, while preseason games might not carry the weight of regular-season battles, they undoubtedly have their own significance. Brandon Aubrey's 66-yard field goal will long be remembered as one of the remarkable moments that transcended the typical confines of the preseason, showcasing the raw talent and potential that the sport continually uncovers.