Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is confident heading into this season as the team’s only kicker on the roster.
He talked exclusively with PFN about his mindset ahead of the team’s first regular-season game against the New York Giants.
Mike McCarthy Endorses Brandon Aubrey
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy spoke about Aubrey early in the week, saying he isn’t worried about his ability.
“I don’t worry about his ability. He’s clearly past that test. He’s high in that area. He just needs opportunity. I get to watch him work every day. I’ve been very impressed by Brandon,” said McCarthy.
A moment of opportunity for Aubrey that McCarthy mentioned was allowing him to go for two 59-yard field goals during the team’s final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Aubrey made one of the two attempts.
When discussing the attempt he nailed during the game, Aubrey said he put more pressure on himself to fix his mistake of missing the first attempt by pulling the ball slightly.
“It felt like I had proven myself that I can do just about anything they need me to do on the field,” said Aubrey.
#Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey booted a 59-yd field goal tonight to help Dallas to a 31-16 win.#DallasCowboys | #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/hgVRDyOQp0
— Kicker Update (@kickerupdate) August 27, 2023
Aubrey’s Preparation for Sunday’s Game Against the Giants
During training camp and the preseason, Aubrey expressed that his most significant lesson was to believe in himself and that he can be “that guy” for the Cowboys, putting the ball through the uprights, even when the pressure is high.
As for how he is preparing for Sunday’s game, he says his mindset stays the same as it has been, and the preparation doesn’t change.
He said each practice for him is like a game with five reps, which should simulate a game-day scenario no matter how many times he is needed during the actual contest.
“Every day as a kicker, you’re fighting to prove that you’re still the guy. So each and every day, whether that’s training camp, practices, a preseason game, or a regular-season week of preparation, it’s all the same. You prepare the same way, and hopefully, you get the same results,” said Aubrey.
Aubrey wants to ensure that his success is measured by focusing on the process and not taking his opportunity for granted.
Brandon Aubrey Learning From Bryan Anger and Trent Sieg
Bryan Anger and Trent Sieg have taken Aubrey under their wings to help him learn from their past experiences.
“They know the things I should be doing and the things I shouldn’t be doing. They’ve seen successful kickers, and they can help me emulate what they’ve done and not reinvent the wheel, just emulate the success they’ve seen,” said Aubrey.
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Aubrey comes from the USFL with the Birmingham Stallions. The Stallions’ special teams coach is Chris Boniol, who has a history with the Cowboys as both a player and a coach.
Smith and Irvin also scored touchdowns and Chris Boniol booted a 51-yard field goal. The win sends Dallas to their 4th consecutive NFC title game. #90sCowboys #DallasCowboys #CowboysNation pic.twitter.com/MsT095t5TI
— 90’s Dallas Cowboys (@90s_cowboys) January 7, 2023
The 28-year-old says Boniol has been someone who gives him advice and keeps him on track with his mentorship.
Other names he mentioned as former NFL vets and mentors for him are John Carney and Nick Novak.