In NFL Week 14, the prime-time game Thursday night between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys proved to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. As both teams battled to keep their playoff hopes alive, Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey gave a record-shattering performance.
Former USFL Star Brandon Aubrey Just Might Be The G.O.A.T.
In a must-win scenario, Detroit pulled away with the victory, defeating the Cowboys by a score of 44-30. However, Aubrey did his best to keep Dallas in the game, scoring 16 of the Cowboys’ 30 points. Throughout much of the game, the Cowboys struggled to get into scoring range against a tough, unrelenting Detroit defense. But when the team came up short, they relied on their two-time Pro Bowl kicker. Aubrey delivered, and in the process, smashed existing NFL records.
An Outstanding Night of Field Goal Kicking
After the Lions scored on a Jake Bates 38-yard field goal to open the game, the Cowboys turned to Aubrey on their first possession. He tied the score with a 57-yard field goal. Later in the game, Aubrey added two more long-range kicks, a 55-yard boot and a 63-yard stunner. Earlier this season, he converted a 64-yarder. On Thursday night, Aubrey added two more kicks, from 42 yards and 29 yards, finishing 5/5 with one extra point.
Bates also contributed to a thrilling night of field goal kicking, delivering another gutsy performance. Following his 38-yard field goal, Bates came back with a 47-yarder, a 46-yard field goal, and 5/5 extra points. Unfortunately, a 52-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Dallas defender Sam Williams.
Under high-pressure conditions, the former Michigan Panthers star converted time and again, holding his own against one of the best kickers in the NFL.
Aubrey Establishes NFL Field Goal Records
On Thursday night, Aubrey became the first NFL kicker to record three field goals over 55 yards in a single game. He also became the first NFL kicker to record three 60-yard-plus kicks in a single season. In addition to his 63-yard kick, Aubrey booted a 64-yarder in Week 2 against the New York Giants, the second longest of his career. He added a 61-yard field goal in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders.
Last season, with 60 yards becoming the new NFL standard, Aubrey connected on a 65-yard kick. At the time, it was the second-longest NFL field goal. This season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin tied Aubrey’s record with his own 65-yard field goal.
Aubrey also holds the record for the most career field goals of 60 or more yards, with a total of six to his credit. Is Aubrey the greatest NFL kicker of all time? It’s beginning to look that way.
Who Currently Holds The Title As The G.O.A.T.?
Over the years, the debate regarding the greatest NFL kicker of all time has focused on two individuals: former New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts legend, Adam Vinatieri, and Justin Tucker, the former kicker for the Baltimore Ravens.
Vinatieri holds several NFL records, including the most field goals (599) and the most points scored by an NFL kicker with 2,673. Tucker previously held the record for the longest NFL field goal, a 66-yard kick that was surpassed this season by Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little, who connected on a 68-yard field goal.
Tucker and Vinatieri are long-time NFL veterans with careers spanning 23 years for Vinatieri and a dozen years for Tucker. Aubrey is in his fourth year as a professional, spending the 2022-2023 season with the USFL Birmingham Stallions before joining the Cowboys. On his way to a likely third consecutive Pro Bowl nod, Aubrey has already shattered pre-existing NFL records. In his three years in Dallas, Aubrey made 103 of 114 field goals for 90.4%. He connected on 117 of 121 extra points. He produced a total of 426 points for the Cowboys. If Aubrey hasn’t already cemented his reputation as the G.O.A.T., it’s only a matter of time before he earns that title.
