Preseason Drama: Cowboys' Brandon Aubrey Makes Historic 66-Yard Field Goal
As the NFL preseason winds down and teams finalize their rosters, certain moments catch the eyes of fans and analysts alike – moments that transcend the usual expectations of preseason games. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey delivered just such a moment by nailing a stunning 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Preseason games often lack the high-stakes drama that characterizes regular-season action, but Aubrey's extraordinary kick has created a buzz in the football community. Despite the fact that preseason statistics don't enter the NFL's official record book, Aubrey’s achievement sets a new benchmark for preseason performances.
The significance of Aubrey's field goal extends beyond the immediate thrill of the moment. His 66-yard kick ties the overall NFL record for the longest field goal, a record set by Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker's record-setting kick came in a high-pressure regular-season situation, clinching a dramatic 19-17 win over the Detroit Lions. In contrast, Aubrey's record-tying kick occurred without the pressing stakes of regular-season play, but it nonetheless stands as a remarkable feat.
Prior to Aubrey's achievement, the longest field goal in a preseason game was 65 yards, set by Ola Kimrin in 2002. Kimrin’s record-setting kick came while he was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp, and it was a highlight in a career that ultimately saw him play only five regular-season games with Washington in 2004. Despite a modest professional tenure, Kimrin's 65-yard kick stood as the gold standard for preseason feats until Aubrey shattered it.
The landscape of long-distance field goals has evolved significantly over the years. Before Kimrin's kick, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark. Between 2003 and 2023, that number ballooned with 29 successful field goals of 60 yards or more in regular-season play. Among these exceptional achievements, only Tucker and Aubrey have managed to hit a field goal longer than Kimrin's 65-yarder when considering both preseason and regular-season games.
Adding to the uniqueness of Aubrey’s accomplishment, NFL’s Next Gen Stats indicated that his 66-yarder would have been good from 72 yards. Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "I have successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice." This prowess introduces a potentially game-changing element for the Cowboys as the regular season approaches.
Preseason games may lack the official gravitas of regular-season contests, but they can reveal hidden gems and future stars. Brandon Aubrey’s extraordinary performance has catapulted him into the spotlight, suggesting that the Dallas Cowboys may have discovered a kicker capable of delivering in the most crucial moments. With the regular season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Aubrey to see if he can translate his preseason heroics into regular-season success.