The NFL preseason often lacks the nail-biting drama that fans crave, but Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey stirred the pot with a remarkable feat that will not be easily forgotten. In a game where preseason stats don't officially make it into the NFL's record books, Aubrey delivered a standout moment by smashing a 66-yard field goal during the Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
This kick not only set a new benchmark for extraordinary preseason performances but also matched the NFL's overall longest field goal record, a mark set by the Baltimore Ravens' Justin Tucker in 2021. Unlike Aubrey’s kick, Tucker’s record came under high-pressure conditions, sealing a 19-17 win for the Ravens over the Detroit Lions. The context of these two kicks may differ, but their significance cannot be understated.
A Record Redefined
Before Aubrey's remarkable kick, the longest field goal in a preseason game was held by Ola Kimrin, with a 65-yard field goal achieved back in 2002. Kimrin’s record had stood for 21 years, established during his time at the Denver Broncos' training camp. Despite this historic achievement, Kimrin's regular-season career was limited to just five games with Washington in 2004, where he maintained a 60% success rate on field goals, including a miss from beyond 50 yards.
As a testament to the difficulty of long-range field goals, only four field goals in NFL history had surpassed the 60-yard mark before Kimrin's 65-yarder. The period between 2003 and 2023 saw an uptick, with a total of 29 successful field goals from 60 yards or more in regular-season play. Aubrey's 66-yarder has now tied him with Tucker and carved out a special place for him in preseason lore.
Unmatched Potential
Beyond the official metrics, NFL’s Next Gen Stats provided an eye-opening revelation: Aubrey’s 66-yard field goal would have been good from 72 yards. This underscores the latent potential of the Dallas Cowboys' new kicker. Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice, a claim that now carries significant weight given his recent performance. "Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice," he stated.
The Cowboys' victory over the Raiders may have signified the winding down of the preseason, but it also heralded the emergence of a kicker capable of game-changing moments. While preseason performances often go unnoticed, Aubrey's achievement is a compelling exception, providing both fans and analysts with a tantalizing glimpse of what's possible as the regular season approaches.
As the Cowboys gear up for the games that really count, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding their special teams, knowing they’ve got a kicker who can deliver when it matters most. Aubrey's 66-yard field goal has not only set a new preseason standard but also promised more electrifying moments in the future of the NFL.