The preseason NFL games often sail under the radar, typically not delivering the high-stakes drama that fans vehemently crave. However, in a recent preseason matchup, an extraordinary moment has emerged that warrants significant attention. During the Dallas Cowboys' 27-12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey smashed a breathtaking 66-yard field goal. This remarkable achievement has indisputably set a new standard for exceptional preseason performances.
While preseason stats don't count in the NFL's official record book, Aubrey's astounding 66-yarder has unequivocally tied the NFL overall record set by Justin Tucker in 2021. Tucker’s record-setting kick came in a high-pressure scenario, securing a 19-17 win for the Baltimore Ravens over the Detroit Lions. In the annals of NFL history, Tucker's efforts were heroic, culminating in an unforgettable victory that remains etched in fans' memories.
A New Benchmark in Preseason Football
Preseason records might often be overlooked, but they are not without their own historical significance. Before Aubrey's impressive feat, Ola Kimrin held the preseason record for the longest field goal at 65 yards, set in 2002 while he was part of the Denver Broncos' training camp. Kimrin’s 65-yarder had stood as the benchmark for the past two decades—until now.
Kimrin’s journey in the NFL, however, was relatively brief. He played merely five career regular-season games with Washington in 2004 and maintained a 60% success rate on field goals, including a miss from beyond 50 yards. Despite the brevity of his career, Kimrin was a trailblazer, as his 65-yard field goal was one of only four in NFL history to surpass the 60-yard mark before 2002. Between 2003 and 2023, the league witnessed 29 successful field goals from 60 or more yards in regular-season play, illustrating the evolution and growing capabilities of NFL kickers.
Setting Records and Defying Limits
Brandon Aubrey’s affirmation—“Aubrey himself has confidently noted that he has successfully kicked from as far back as 70 yards in practice”—demonstrates not just mere achievement but an extraordinary potential that the Dallas Cowboys might find indispensable as the regular season approaches. NFL's Next Gen Stats indicated that Aubrey’s 66-yarder would have been good from an astonishing 72 yards, reinforcing the idea of his prodigious leg strength and precision under pressure.
This remarkable accomplishment places Aubrey in a unique category, joining Tucker and surpassing Kimrin's long-standing 65-yard preseason record. It is a testament to the evolving dynamics of the game and the extraordinary talent that emerges even before the regular season kicks off. The Dallas Cowboys may very well have found a kicker whose capabilities transcend ordinary limits, positioning him as a potential game-changer in crucial moments.
As the preseason winds down and the regular season looms on the horizon, NFL enthusiasts can anticipate witnessing kickers pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. Brandon Aubrey’s 66-yard marvel stands as a beacon of what dedication, talent, and sheer willpower can achieve, heralding the promise of more historic moments in the forthcoming NFL season.