“My wildest dreams have come true,” said Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey. Like many new NFL kickers, Aubrey fought for his spot in training camp, but his journey to the NFL was far from typical.
Born on March 14, 1995, in Plano, Texas, Brandon Aubrey grew up in a state where football is king, but he was drawn to a different kind of football—soccer. Aubrey’s soccer talents led him to play at the collegiate level for Notre Dame, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dependable defender. A center-back known for his physicality, tactical awareness, and strong presence on set pieces, Aubrey was instrumental in Notre Dame’s success during his time there.
After having a successful college career Aubrey put his name into the Major League Soccer draft, the top-flight league in the United States and Canada. He was drafted by Toronto FC but only managed to play for their reserve team, thus ending his soccer career, as he eventually moved away from the sport.
Aubrey transitioned to a career as a software engineer at GM Financial, but his path shifted again when his wife Jenn remarked, “Honestly, Brandon can do that,” after watching an NFL game.
With no formal background in American football, Aubrey began training rigorously, refining his kicking technique. The skills he developed as a soccer player – leg strength, accuracy, and composure – translated well to kicking a football. However, mastering the nuances of kicking field goals and extra points required intense focus and dedication.
In 2022, Aubrey joined the Birmingham Stallions in the revived United States Football League (USFL), the second tier in American football. He quickly emerged as a standout kicker, and helped the team win the championship. This success served as his proving ground, catching the attention of NFL scouts.
In 2023, Aubrey’s journey reached a new milestone when he signed with the Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. Earning the role of starting kicker was no small feat; Aubrey impressed during training camp and preseason, displaying both power and precision. As the Cowboys’ kicker, Aubrey has continued to demonstrate why he belongs in the NFL. His leg strength, refined through years of striking soccer balls, has translated into consistent performances in high-pressure situations. Every game he plays is a reminder of his unique journey, and the hard work that got him there.
“CINvBST 2018-06-13 – Brandon Aubrey (45382451611)” by Hayden Schiff from Cincinnati, USA is licensed under CC BY 2.0.