Brandon Aubrey: The Multi-Sport Athlete Who Became the NFL's Most Accurate Kicker

Early Life and Soccer Beginnings

Brandon Scott Aubrey, born March 14, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri, represents one of the most unique athletic journeys in modern professional sports. Standing 6'3" and weighing 218 pounds, Aubrey's path to NFL stardom began not on the football field, but on soccer pitches across Texas and beyond.

From an early age, Aubrey demonstrated exceptional athletic ability that would eventually translate across multiple sports. His youth soccer career with Dallas Texans SC was nothing short of spectacular, serving as team captain from 2008 to 2010 and leading his squad to five State Cup titles. The team's success under his leadership included becoming regional finalists in 2009, Classic League grand champions in both 2009 and 2010, and capturing prestigious international tournaments including the 2008 Gothia Cup in Sweden and the 2009 Dallas Cup.

College Career at Notre Dame

Aubrey's transition to high school included stops at Dallas Jesuit and later Plano Senior High School, where his academic and athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. From 2013 to 2016, he became a cornerstone of the Fighting Irish soccer program, playing as a center back and contributing significantly to the team's success.

During his four years at Notre Dame, Aubrey appeared in 76 games and scored 15 goals—an impressive tally for a defender. His senior year in 2016 proved particularly outstanding, earning him NSCAA Third Team All-American honors, NSCAA First Team All-South Region recognition, First Team All-ACC selection, and NSCAA Academic All-American status. Perhaps most notably, he was part of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men's National Championship team, adding a college national title to his growing list of achievements.

Professional Soccer Journey

Following his successful college career, Aubrey entered the professional soccer world when Toronto FC selected him in the first round (21st overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. This selection represented the culmination of years of dedicated soccer training and highlighted his potential as a professional athlete.

However, Aubrey's MLS journey proved challenging. He was initially loaned to Toronto FC II in the USL Championship, where he made his professional debut on March 25, 2017, against Phoenix Rising FC. After appearing in 21 games for the reserve team, he moved to Bethlehem Steel FC in January 2018, where he played 26 games before being released at season's end.

The Transition to Football

After his release from Bethlehem Steel FC in 2018, Aubrey faced a crossroads that would define his athletic future. Using his Notre Dame degree, he transitioned into software engineering, seemingly leaving professional sports behind. However, fate intervened during a casual NFL viewing session in 2019 when his wife, Jenn, made a comment that would change everything: "You could do that," she said, referring to a missed field goal on television.

This moment sparked Aubrey's interest in American football kicking. From 2019 to 2022, he dedicated himself to learning the craft under the tutelage of former Mississippi State kicker and kicking coach Brian Egan, training three times per week to master the fundamentals of NFL-level place-kicking.

USFL Championship Success

Aubrey's football journey officially began when the Birmingham Stallions selected him in the 2022 USFL draft. His debut season proved immediately successful, as he converted 18 of 22 field goal attempts (81.8%) and 22 of 24 extra-point attempts (91.7%), both league-leading percentages. His excellence earned him a spot on the inaugural All-USFL Team and helped the Stallions capture the 2022 USFL championship.

The 2023 USFL season saw Aubrey reach even greater heights, finishing with a remarkable 14-for-15 field goal percentage (93.3%) and a perfect 35-for-35 on extra points. His consistent excellence helped Birmingham repeat as USFL champions, with Aubrey contributing crucial kicks throughout their playoff run.

Dallas Cowboys Era

On July 3, 2023, the Birmingham Stallions terminated Aubrey's contract, clearing the way for his NFL dream. Three days later, the Dallas Cowboys signed him, beginning what would become one of the most successful rookie kicking campaigns in NFL history.

Aubrey's NFL debut against the New York Giants set the tone for his remarkable rookie season. He connected on both field goal attempts with a long of 38 yards and made four of five extra-point attempts in the Cowboys' dominant 40-0 victory. This performance was just the beginning of what would become a record-breaking season.

Record-Breaking Performances

The 2023 season established Aubrey as one of the NFL's premier kickers through a series of historic achievements. His most notable early-season accomplishment came in Week 9 against the Philadelphia Eagles, when he set an NFL record for most consecutive field goals made to start a career, reaching 19 consecutive makes and surpassing the previous record held by Travis Coons.

Week 14 against the Eagles provided Aubrey's signature moment of the 2023 season, as he became the first kicker in NFL history to successfully convert two field goals of 59+ yards in a single game (59 and 60 yards). This extraordinary performance earned him Sunday Night Football Player of the Game honors alongside Dak Prescott and Stephon Gilmore, and his second NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.

By season's end, Aubrey had achieved numerous milestones:

• 94.7% field goal accuracy (36 of 38 attempts) - highest by a rookie in a single season
• Perfect 10-for-10 record on field goals of 50+ yards without a miss
• NFL-record 99 touchbacks on kickoffs
• NFL scoring leader with 157 points
• First-team All-Pro selection
• Pro Bowl selection

Recent Game-Winning Heroics

Aubrey's legend continued to grow in the 2024 season and beyond. In Week 3 of 2024 against the Baltimore Ravens, he kicked a franchise-record 65-yard field goal, the second-longest in NFL history. This kick not only broke Brett Maher's Cowboys franchise record but also demonstrated Aubrey's exceptional range and accuracy from extreme distances.

Most recently, on September 14, 2025, Aubrey delivered perhaps his most clutch performance yet in the Cowboys' thrilling 40-37 overtime victory over the New York Giants. With the game tied and time expiring in regulation, Aubrey connected on a remarkable 64-yard field goal to send the game to overtime. He then sealed the victory with a 46-yard game-winner in the extra period, finishing the game with a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals and 4-for-4 on extra points for 16 total points.

Personal Life and Family

Behind Aubrey's professional success lies a strong family foundation. He married his high school sweetheart, Jenn, on January 4, 2019. Their relationship has been instrumental in his career transition, with Jenn providing the initial suggestion that sparked his interest in NFL kicking. In 2024, the couple welcomed their first child, son Colton Aubrey, adding a new dimension to Brandon's life as he balances fatherhood with his professional responsibilities.

Aubrey's educational background at Notre Dame, where he earned his degree before pursuing software engineering, demonstrates his commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic achievement. This intellectual approach has undoubtedly contributed to his methodical and analytical approach to perfecting his kicking technique.

Future Outlook and Legacy

As Brandon Aubrey continues his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, his trajectory suggests he could become one of the greatest kickers in franchise and league history. His combination of accuracy, range, and clutch performance in pressure situations makes him invaluable to the Cowboys' championship aspirations.

With multiple NFL records already to his name and consistent performance across different leagues and levels, Aubrey represents the modern evolution of the specialist position. His multi-sport background provides him with unique athletic tools that translate to exceptional kicking ability, while his professional approach and work ethic suggest sustained excellence for years to come.

The Cowboys have secured a special talent in Aubrey, whose journey from soccer fields to NFL stardom serves as inspiration for athletes everywhere. As he continues to break records and deliver in crucial moments, Brandon Aubrey is cementing his place among the elite kickers in professional football history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brandon Aubrey's longest field goal?

Brandon Aubrey's longest field goal in an official NFL game is 65 yards, which he kicked against the Baltimore Ravens on September 22, 2024. This kick broke the Dallas Cowboys franchise record and stands as the second-longest field goal in NFL history. In preseason, he has also successfully made a 66-yard attempt.

How did Brandon Aubrey transition from soccer to NFL kicking?

After his professional soccer career ended in 2018, Aubrey worked as a software engineer. In 2019, while watching an NFL game, his wife suggested he could kick field goals better than the player on TV. This comment motivated him to train with former Mississippi State kicker Brian Egan from 2019-2022, eventually leading to his USFL and NFL careers.

What records does Brandon Aubrey hold?

Aubrey holds several NFL records including: most consecutive field goals made to start a career (36), highest field goal percentage by a rookie (94.7%), first player to make two 59+ yard field goals in one game, most kickoff touchbacks in a season (99), and most 50+ yard field goals in consecutive seasons (10+ each in 2023 and 2024).

What college did Brandon Aubrey attend?

Brandon Aubrey attended the University of Notre Dame from 2013-2016, where he played soccer as a center back for the Fighting Irish. He was part of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men's National Championship team and earned multiple All-American honors during his college career.

Is Brandon Aubrey married?

Yes, Brandon Aubrey married his high school sweetheart, Jenn, on January 4, 2019. The couple welcomed their first child, son Colton Aubrey, in 2024. Jenn played a crucial role in encouraging Brandon's transition to football kicking.