Preseason NFL action often flies under the radar, lacking the high-stakes intensity that regular-season or playoff games bring. However, every so often, a moment arises that captures the imagination of even the most casual fans. Such was the case when Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey delivered a remarkable 66-yard field goal during a commanding 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
This extraordinary achievement has set a new benchmark for preseason performances, while also tying the overall NFL record for longest field goal, a record set by Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker’s record-setting kick was a climactic play, securing a dramatic 19-17 victory for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions, further cementing his reputation and legacy.
A New Standard in Preseason Kicking
While preseason statistics don't find a place in the NFL's official record book, moments like Aubrey’s 66-yarder resonate deeply within the football community. Prior to Aubrey's impressive feat, the longest field goal in a preseason game was a 65-yard kick by Ola Kimrin in 2002, set during the Denver Broncos' training camp. Kimrin's record had stood the test of time, serving as the gold standard for preseason kickers for over two decades.
Kimrin, despite setting the preseason record, only played five regular-season games in the NFL, all with Washington in 2004. His career statistics included a 60% success rate on field goals, with a notable miss from beyond 50 yards, highlighting the difficulty and challenge of long-distance kicking.
Elite Company
With his 66-yard field goal, Aubrey joins an elite group of kickers who have managed to hit field goals exceeding 60 yards. Through the two-decade span from 2003 to 2023, the NFL witnessed a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play. Aubrey’s name now stands tall alongside legends like Justin Tucker, making him only the second kicker to hit a field goal longer than Kimrin's historic 65-yarder, encompassing both preseason and regular-season games.
A Kicker with Big Potential
Aubrey’s milestone isn't merely a statistical footnote—it’s a testament to his potential as a game-changing kicker for the Dallas Cowboys. NFL's Next Gen Stats indicated that Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been good from 72 yards, underlining his impressive leg strength. Aubrey himself has confidently noted, "I have successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice."
As the preseason winds down, attention inevitably shifts to the approaching regular season. For the Cowboys, the emergence of a kicker like Aubrey could be a significant development. In a league where games can hinge on a single kick, having a reliable and powerful leg can be a tremendous asset.
The Dallas Cowboys have long been a team with aspirations of clinching championships, and the addition of a kicker capable of making high-pressure, long-distance kicks may be a crucial piece of their puzzle. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Aubrey can translate his preseason success into meaningful contributions when the stakes are higher.
In the world of the NFL, every preseason has its own narrative, filled with tales of players making a name for themselves, vying for roster spots, and showcasing their skills. Brandon Aubrey’s 66-yard field goal is undoubtedly one of the standout moments of this preseason, igniting excitement and anticipation for what the regular season holds.
As the Cowboys gear up for their regular-season campaign, the presence of a kicker with such record-setting potential adds an intriguing subplot to their journey ahead. Whether or not Aubrey's success continues, his incredible 66-yard kick has already etched his name in the annals of football lore, a reminder that magic can indeed happen in the preseason.