Preseason NFL games generally fail to capture the high-octane excitement avid fans crave, but sometimes, exceptional performances shine through, transcending the low-stakes atmosphere to make history. This was precisely the case when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey delivered a striking 66-yard field goal in a 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
A Record-Setting Moment
Though preseason stats remain absent from the NFL’s official record books, Aubrey's astounding 66-yard field goal resonates within the league and among fans. This kick not only set a new benchmark for preseason performances but also tied Justin Tucker’s NFL overall record set during the regular season in 2021.
Justin Tucker’s record-setting kick was nothing short of dramatic, clinching a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions in a high-pressure scenario. In stark contrast, Aubrey’s remarkable preseason achievement occurred without the same immediate stakes, yet its significance remains mighty.
Historical Context
Before Aubrey, the preseason record belonged to Ola Kimrin, whose 65-yard field goal for the Denver Broncos during their 2002 training camp served as the gold standard. Kimrin's trajectory in the NFL was brief, with only five regular-season games for Washington in 2004 and a career field goal success rate of just 60%, which included a miss from beyond 50 yards.
At the time of Kimrin's kick, only four field goals in NFL history had sailed past the 60-yard mark. Fast forward to the period from 2003 to 2023, and the league saw 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more during regular-season play. Yet within this expanding field of exceptional performances, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to surpass Kimrin’s 65-yarder, combining both preseason and regular-season milestones.
Aubrey’s Potential and Promise
NFL's Next Gen Stats revealed that Aubrey’s 66-yarder could have potentially succeeded from as far back as 72 yards, illuminating the kicker's prodigious leg strength. Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice."
As the preseason winds down and the regular season looms closer, the Dallas Cowboys seem to have unearthed a kicker capable of championship moment deliveries. Aubrey’s unprecedented kick has already etched his name into the annals of notable NFL achievements, ensuring that his prowess doesn't go unnoticed.
The significance of Aubrey’s kick extends beyond the mere 66 yards it traveled. It epitomizes the unexpected yet thrilling moments that preseason games can offer. For the Dallas Cowboys and their fans, Aubrey's performance hints at potential game-changing moments in the high-stakes scenarios that await in the regular season.
In sum, while preseason games generally might not command broad attention, feats like Aubrey’s serve as powerful reminders of the individual brilliance that fuels the sport. Brandon Aubrey’s 66-yard field goal, echoing through NFL history, exemplifies not only the heights of human capability but also the spirit of resilience and ambition that defines football at its very core.