ARLINGTON, Texas — After Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott executed his 14-yard dash to position kicker Brandon Aubrey for his decisive, 46-yard kick as the game clock showed four seconds remaining in the extra period against the New York Giants, the vocalizations commenced.
The combined vocal power of the Dallas Cowboys’ supporters filling AT&T Stadium erupted in rhythmic shouts of, “Aubrey, Aubrey, Aubrey.”
Barely a half-hour prior, Aubrey had launched a 64-yard field goal through the uprights as time expired in a captivating regulation period — the longest kick to ever propel an NFL match into overtime. The current auditory outpouring preceding the 46-yard conclusion bore resemblance to a moment from “Gladiator,” with the entire arena echoing chants for Russell Crowe’s Maximus, or akin to an All-Star relief pitcher emerging from the dugout, the crowd brimming with expectation for a near-certain triumph.
“Yeah, it’s definitely within my capabilities,” Aubrey commented.
Aubrey, naturally, converted the 46-yard attempt, ensuring the Cowboys faithful departed content with a 40-37 overtime victory over their NFC East divisional foe, the Giants. Assurance never wavered.
“The crowd truly invigorates me, so hearing that is fantastic,” Aubrey expressed. “It felt surreal. I’m grateful for the backing and the fans displaying their gratitude. It was genuinely remarkable.”
Taking a cue from baseball fanfare, Cowboys QB Dak Prescott suggested devising unique music to accompany Aubrey as he strides onto the field, their reliable right-footed specialist.
When that concluding, 46-yard field goal sailed through the posts as the overtime period concluded, securing a Cowboys victory and a 1-1 commencement to the 2025 campaign, Prescott was so thrilled he offered a kiss to the All-Pro kicker.
“Absolutely,” Prescott affirmed. “Give that individual the credit.”
Aubrey maintains composure and self-assurance as he initiates his approach. He mentioned post-game his belief in being the premier kicker in the league, viewing challenging and critical kicks as chances to relish the moment.
His peers recognize they’re witnessing something extraordinary. Possibly legendary caliber, even.
“That player is a true legend,” Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb stated. “All we needed to accomplish, as we understood, was to reach the star [logo at midfield]. Once we arrived at the star, everything else rested on BA.”
Arguments for Aubrey’s Early Case for Greatness
Indeed, Aubrey has only participated in two games of his third NFL season, yet he has already attained milestones that warrant assessing his kicking abilities as potentially unmatched in league history.
Among his achievements:
- Aubrey established an NFL benchmark with 35 consecutive successful field goals to begin his professional career.
- Aubrey’s 14 successful field goals from distances of 50 yards or more during the 2024 season mark a historical high within a single season in NFL history.
- He holds the record for the longest field goal in Cowboys’ chronicles, a 65-yard conversion achieved in Week 3 of the previous season against the Baltimore Ravens, ranking as the second-longest made field goal in NFL annals.
Following the conversion of the 64-yard attempt that forced overtime on Sunday, his career now boasts two successful field goals of at least 64 yards. Only two other converted field goals of at least 64 yards exist in NFL history: a 64-yarder executed by then-Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater in 2013 and a 66-yarder by then-Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker in 2021.
Tucker also leads the NFL in all-time field goal percentage. He, alongside the supremely clutch Adam Vinatieri, represent the figures Aubrey is pursuing within the all-time kicking hierarchy.
|
Successful Field Goals |
82 |
1st |
|
Field Goal Attempts |
91 |
1st |
|
Field Goal Percentage |
90.1% |
5th* |
|
Successful Field Goals of 50 Yards or Longer |
27 |
1st |
|
Successful Field Goals of 60 Yards or Longer |
4 |
1st |
* Among 21 kickers with a minimum of 60 field goal attempts since 2023
Aubrey’s Ascent From (Near) Obscurity
Prescott has been a close observer of Aubrey’s diligent efforts. The Cowboys’ kicker’s foundation lies in soccer, where he earned four varsity letters at Notre Dame. He initiated his professional athletic journey in MLS, and following its conclusion, transitioned into a software engineering role in Dallas, his hometown.
While residing in the Plano suburb and employed as a software engineer from 2019-2021, he sought training from a kicking coach he discovered through an internet search. Coincidentally, this coach, Brian Egan, happened to be Prescott’s roommate and trusted confidant from their time at Mississippi State. The Cowboys recruited Aubrey in the summer of 2023 after assessing him for two seasons in the USFL. Progressing to the present, Aubrey is clinching NFC East divisional victories for his hometown Cowboys.
“Having some insight into his path, the individual he is, the dedication he demonstrates, and the self-belief he possesses, he stands out as an extraordinary player,” Prescott remarked.
Prescott merits acknowledgment for Aubrey’s arrival in Dallas, yet credit must also be given to former special teams coordinator John Fassel, who attended Aubrey’s USFL games firsthand and played a crucial role in his progression in Dallas.
Fassel now contributes to the Tennessee Titans, while his exceptional discovery is appreciated by all in Big D. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones conveyed his sense of “clairvoyance” as Aubrey prepares to kick; Jones feels assured, prior to any attempt, of the kick’s success.
“We reference a psychic, we allude to recognizing it’s within reach. … It appeared as if, regardless of the spot we positioned him on that last one, that outcome would transpire,” Jones commented. “Rather than gaining a few more yards, we opted for it. He is an outstanding individual, without question, and a valuable asset for the Cowboys.”
Moreover, Aubrey is set to become a restricted free agent this upcoming offseason. Dallas will inevitably extend his contract.
Potential for Aubrey to Establish an NFL Record This Season?
The NFL standard for the longest successful field goal stands at 66 yards. Dallas head coach Brian Schottenheimer feels confident in permitting Aubrey to attempt kicks from approximately 70 yards. Considering the apparent opportunity available, Dallas might soon arrange for Aubrey to attempt a new NFL record for the longest successful field goal. That would further bolster Aubrey’s claim to the title of the NFL’s kicking G.O.A.T.
“We would consider it from around 70ish,” Schottenheimer indicated. “We’ve witnessed him convert those previously. We constantly strive to get as close as feasible. Yet he invariably responds with, ‘yeah, I’m ready.’ That’s rather impressive.”
Allow Dallas cornerback Trevon Diggs to speculate on the distance from which Aubrey could have converted Sunday’s historic kick.
“Seventy-four,” Diggs quipped with a smile.
