In the realm of professional football, the kicker position often flies under the radar, rarely generating the kind of excitement that quarterbacks or wide receivers command. However, Dallas Cowboys All-Pro kicker Brandon Aubrey is proving to be a remarkable exception to that rule. Week after week, Aubrey is not only delivering clutch kicks but also threatening to rewrite the NFL record books with his extraordinary leg strength and accuracy. His recent performance against the Washington Commanders in Week 7 has solidified his place in football history and set the stage for what could be an even more spectacular feat in the near future.
During Dallas’ dominant 44-22 victory over Washington, Aubrey drilled a stunning 61-yard field goal. This kick was more than just a highlight; it marked his fifth career field goal of 60 yards or longer, setting an NFL record for the most made field goals from 60-plus yards in league history. This milestone is a testament to Aubrey’s exceptional talent and consistency, especially considering the physical and mental challenges inherent in making such long kicks. Aubrey himself expressed optimism about the record, telling CBS Sports, “Hopefully that’s just the start. Hopefully we can hold on to the record. Guys are getting better and better. I don’t think five is going to hold it for long.” His humility and awareness of the evolving competition underscore the incredible nature of what he has already achieved.
Despite this historic accomplishment, one notable record remains just out of Aubrey’s reach: the longest field goal ever made in the NFL. That record belongs to the legendary Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens, who nailed a 66-yard game-winning field goal in Week 3 of the 2021 season against the Detroit Lions. Aubrey is now positioned to challenge that mark in a potentially ideal setting when the Cowboys visit the Denver Broncos. The game will be played at Empower Field at Mile High, which sits at an altitude of 5,280 feet above sea level. This higher elevation means thinner air, which can allow kicked footballs to travel further. It’s no coincidence that three of the eight longest outdoor field goals in NFL history—Jason Elam’s 63-yarder in 1998, Sebastian Janikowski’s 63-yarder in 2011, and Matt Prater’s 64-yarder in 2013—were all kicked at this venue.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has voiced his confidence in Aubrey’s ability to perform under these unique conditions. After watching the 61-yard field goal last week, Schottenheimer praised the kicker’s technique, highlighting the “ease” of the operation. “We’ll see how he practices. I don’t know yet. He might not be very good. I don’t know?” Schottenheimer joked sarcastically during a Monday press conference. “I think he’ll probably be pretty good. ... Altitude might make it interesting.” The coach’s remarks reflect both a lighthearted confidence in Aubrey’s abilities and an acknowledgment of the physical variables that come into play at Mile High.
Supporting this confidence is the insight of Cowboys’ two-time Pro Bowl punter Bryan Anger, who also serves as Aubrey’s holder. Anger revealed that when taking into account the height and depth of Aubrey’s kicks, several have effectively traveled more than 70 yards in the air, even if they weren’t officially recorded as such on the scoreboards. “His makes have been at 71, 72 distance carry,” Anger told CBS Sports. “I think that it’s there just doing the same thing that he’s been doing and not trying [purposefully] at a longer distance because they are traveling longer.” This adds a fascinating dimension to Aubrey’s kicking prowess, suggesting that his leg strength could easily extend beyond what the official stats show.
Interestingly, the Cowboys had a clear opportunity to let Aubrey attempt an even longer field goal—a 67-yarder—during their Week 7 game against Washington. Facing a fourth-and-11 situation from the 49-yard line of the Commanders with a commanding 34-15 lead and nearly seven minutes left, Coach Schottenheimer opted to punt rather than attempt the long kick. This decision was influenced by the game context: the Cowboys’ defense was dominating, and Washington’s starting quarterback Jayden Daniels was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Schottenheimer explained the choice, saying, “Can Brandon make that kick? Of course he can.