FRISCO, Texas — Since 2021, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled to find a consistent and “money” kicker like Dan Bailey, who holds the team’s record for most consecutive extra points made (275), most consecutive field goals made (30), and career field goals (186).
But now, they may have found their kicker. Speaking to media on Monday, head coach Mike McCarthy called Brandon Aubrey the team’s “secret weapon” that they finally “let out of the bag.”
That’s because on Sunday against the New York Jets, Aubrey — a 28-year-old undrafted rookie free agent — converted all five field goal attempts, making him the fourth Cowboys rookie kicker to make at least five field goals in a game since Bailey made six in 2011 against Washington.
This included a 55-yarder late in the third quarter to put the Cowboys ahead by 14.
The Brandon Aubrey Boot never disappoints 🔥
A 55-yarder from our Champion @Brandon_Aubrey 🙌@dallascowboys | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/Vl9CQvL6JM
— USFL (@USFL) September 17, 2023
From the USFL to the NFL
Cowboys special teams coordinator John “Bones” Fassel spoke about Aubrey’s progression from where he started to now coming off a perfect game, stating it was a combination of everything they’ve been working on since training camp.
“The more reps he gets out of it, the better he’s gonna get. There’s still little tiny things that [we’re] taking a fine-tooth comb through to continue to tighten it up. But he has great talent, obviously,” said Fassel.
The coach praised Aubrey’s ability to swing when he kicks, calling him a “natural swinger,” tying it all back to his strong soccer background and mentioning that his soccer background is more significant than anyone he has coached.
“There’s something about those guys that have powerful soccer legs that translate to the NFL as long as you don’t overcoach them,” mentioned Bones, who added that there’s a healthy balance with coaching for all players, not only kickers.
Fassel spoke about the first time he had Aubrey on his radar, recalling when he tried to stay in stealth mode to see the kicker in person. He started studying the USFL to find a kicker, saying, “Our goal from the whole organization was to find, hopefully, a longer-term answer.”
Aubrey was playing for the Birmingham Stallions, barely starting his football career after taking a three-year hiatus from the United Soccer League, and stood out to the Cowboys.
Fassel flew to Birmingham to catch a game to watch Aubrey at work and decided they wanted to get him into training camp to see more of him.
The coordinator laughed and mentioned he wasn’t wearing any Cowboys’ gear then and even got on the field to watch him closer at one point.
“You’re taking a chance for sure because there’s not a lot of tape on [Aubrey] except for at that point was a season and a half of USFL film, but there’s clearly some leg talent there,” said Bones.
If Aubrey stays on the uphill climb he has been on since camp and remains consistent, the Cowboys will have finally solved the kicker problem that has plagued them for the past several years.