The Rise of Brandon Aubrey: From Notre Dame to NFL Record-Breaker
Brandon Aubrey's journey to becoming one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history is an unlikely and inspiring one. From his days as a soccer standout at the University of Notre Dame to his record-shattering performances with the Dallas Cowboys, Aubrey's story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of believing in oneself.
Early Life and Notre Dame Soccer Career
Born on March 14, 1995, Brandon Aubrey excelled in soccer from a young age. He played youth soccer with Dallas Texans SC and went on to play four years of college soccer at the University of Notre Dame between 2013 and 2016. Aubrey primarily played as a center back for the Fighting Irish.
During his time at Notre Dame, Aubrey achieved significant success. In 2013, he helped the Irish win a national championship. In 2016, he was named NSCAA Third Team All-American, NSCAA First Team All-South Region, First Team All-ACC, and NSCAA Academic All-American. His accomplishments included scoring crucial goals, providing assists, and demonstrating his skill in set pieces and penalty kicks. Aubrey was also recognized as a TopDrawerSoccer Men’s National Team of the Week recipient.
Despite his achievements, Aubrey experienced a period of self-doubt during his time at Notre Dame. He felt like an imposter and was afraid to make mistakes, which he believes limited his potential.
Transition to Professional Soccer
In 2017, Aubrey was drafted by Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. However, his time with the club was short-lived, and he later moved to Bethlehem Steel FC. After being released from Bethlehem Steel FC in 2018, Aubrey decided to pursue a different path, utilizing his degree from Notre Dame to become a software engineer.
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A Serendipitous Career Change
For two years, Aubrey worked as a software engineer at GM Financial. He had accomplished his goal of making more money than he was making playing soccer and was happy to be with his wife, Jenn, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. However, his competitive fire still burned.
One night, while watching an NFL game with Jenn, she suggested that he could be a kicker. She remembered his powerful shots in soccer and believed he had the natural ability to succeed in football. The very next day, they bought a football and a tee and headed to Jenn’s local high school field. With no formal training, Aubrey kicked a 60-yard field goal on his first attempt.
Embracing a New Challenge
Aubrey reached out to a kicking coach named Egan, who told him candidly that it would be a longshot to get him to the NFL, but that if Aubrey put in the work, he would return the favor. Aubrey dedicated himself to training, and his consistency improved over time. He signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL, using the spring league as his proving ground.
In two seasons with the Stallions, Aubrey made 32 of 37 field goal attempts and 57 of 59 extra point attempts. He also led the league in kickoffs and earned All-USFL Team honors. The Stallions won the 2022 USFL championship game.
The NFL Dream Realized
Aubrey's performance in the USFL caught the attention of the Dallas Cowboys. In 2023, he signed with the team, fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for the team he grew up watching.
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Despite some initial skepticism, Aubrey quickly proved his doubters wrong. He has become one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, with an 88.2% career field goal percentage and multiple All-Pro selections.
Record-Breaking Performances
Aubrey's impact on the Cowboys and the NFL has been remarkable. He set an NFL record for consecutive field goals made to start a career. He has also broken the record for most field goals of 60 yards or more in an NFL season and is the first player to make three 55+ yard field goals in a single game.
Aubrey has consistently delivered clutch performances for the Cowboys, including game-winning field goals and long-distance kicks that have shifted momentum. His success has earned him numerous accolades, including NFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards.
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