Brandon Aubrey has become one of the most recognizable kickers in the National Football League (NFL)
As the placekicker for the Dallas Cowboys, he has earned attention for his long-range field goals, accuracy and unusual journey from professional soccer to American football.
His career shows how a change in direction can open the door to success in an entirely different sport.
Born on March 14, 1995, Aubrey grew up in Plano, Texas. He initially pursued soccer and developed the skills needed to compete at a high level.
After playing college soccer at the University of Notre Dame, he entered professional soccer and spent time with Toronto FC and Bethlehem Steel FC.
However, his soccer career did not develop as he had hoped, and he eventually began working as a software engineer.
His career continues to attract attention among American football fans, especially during the NFL season.
Searches for Aubrey often relate to his field-goal records, contract, Cowboys performances and unusual career path.
This article explores who Brandon Aubrey is, his age, background, football career, statistics, contract, family life and the reasons he has become an important figure in the NFL.
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Who Is Brandon Aubrey?
Brandon Aubrey is an American professional football placekicker for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL.
He wears jersey number 17 and is known for his ability to make field goals from long distances.
Unlike many NFL kickers who concentrate on football from a young age, Aubrey initially built his sporting career in soccer. He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he played college soccer before entering the professional game.
After his soccer career stalled, Aubrey pursued a different professional path. He worked as a software engineer while exploring the possibility of becoming an American football kicker.
Aubrey joined the Birmingham Stallions in 2022 and performed well enough to attract interest from NFL teams. The Cowboys signed him in 2023, giving him an opportunity to compete for their starting kicking position.
He secured the role and made an immediate impact. During his rookie season, he converted 36 of 38 field goals and set a high standard for a first-year NFL kicker.
His achievements also brought individual recognition. He earned Pro Bowl selections in each of his first three NFL seasons and received All-Pro honors.
By 2026, the Cowboys had committed to keeping him with the team through a record-setting contract extension. Aubrey’s story is unusual because it combines professional sport, a career change and a return to his hometown.
He has become an example of how skills developed in one discipline can help someone succeed in another when they are combined with training and determination.
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Early Life and Education
Brandon Aubrey was born in Plano, Texas, a city in the Dallas metropolitan area. Growing up in the region meant he was familiar with the Cowboys and their place in local sports culture.
Soccer was his first major sporting pursuit. He developed his abilities through youth competition and eventually earned an opportunity to play at the collegiate level.
Aubrey attended the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Notre Dame has a well-established college athletics program, and its soccer team provided him with an environment in which to develop his technique and tactical understanding.
However, soccer and American football are different sports and success in one does not automatically guarantee success in the other.
After college, Aubrey entered professional soccer. He joined Toronto FC in Major League Soccer and later played for Bethlehem Steel FC, a club associated with the Philadelphia Union organization.
Although he had reached the professional level, his soccer career did not provide the long-term progress he had hoped for. He faced the challenge of deciding what to do next, both professionally and personally.
He developed a career outside sports while considering whether another sporting opportunity might be possible.
His education and professional experience also gave him an alternative source of stability while he explored American football.
Rather than relying entirely on an uncertain athletic career, he had practical work experience to fall back on.
Quick Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Brandon Aubrey |
| Date of birth | March 14, 1995 |
| Age | 31 years old as of October 2026 |
| Birthplace | Plano, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional American football player |
| Position | Placekicker |
| NFL team | Dallas Cowboys |
| Jersey number | 17 |
| Height | 6 feet 3 inches |
| Weight | 218 pounds |
| College | University of Notre Dame |
| College sport | Soccer |
| NFL debut | 2023 |
| Previous football team | Birmingham Stallions |
| NFL contract extension | Four years, $28 million |
| Known for | Long-range field goals and accuracy |
Aubrey’s Career From Professional Soccer to American Football
Aubrey’s transition from soccer to American football is one of the most interesting parts of his biography. The basic act of kicking a ball creates some overlap between the two sports.
Soccer players develop leg strength, balance, coordination and the ability to control the direction and trajectory of a kick. These qualities can be useful for a football placekicker.
However, NFL kicking requires specialized skills. The player must approach the ball at the correct angle, coordinate with the holder and long snapper, account for defensive pressure and complete the kick within a tightly controlled routine.
Distance and accuracy also depend on timing, technique and conditions on the field.
Aubrey began exploring this opportunity after encouragement from his wife. He then worked with a kicking coach and spent years developing the skills required for American football.
His training eventually led to a place with the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL. This league offered him an opportunity to prove himself in competitive American football before entering the NFL.
Aubrey’s performances in the USFL helped him build a professional football résumé. His kicking ability attracted the attention of Dallas special teams coach John Fassel and the Cowboys organization.
In 2023, the Cowboys signed Aubrey and gave him a chance to compete for the starting job. He won the position and made his NFL debut that season.
The transition required more than simply transferring soccer technique to a new ball. Aubrey had to learn the rhythm of NFL games, work with specialist teammates and handle the pressure of making kicks that could determine a team’s result.
His rapid success demonstrated that his earlier sporting experience could provide a useful foundation when combined with focused training and adaptation.
Brandon Aubrey’s NFL Career
The 2023 Breakthrough Season
Aubrey’s first NFL season established him as an important part of the Cowboys’ special teams unit.
He converted 36 of 38 field-goal attempts, finishing the regular season with a success rate of 94.7%. He also made 49 of 52 extra-point attempts.
Those results were particularly notable because kickers often need time to adjust to the speed and pressure of the NFL. Aubrey’s accuracy helped him earn recognition across the league.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl and named First-Team All-Pro. These honors recognized his performance among NFL players at his position.
One of the most memorable aspects of his rookie year was his ability to make long field goals. His range gave the Cowboys another way to score when a drive failed to produce a touchdown.
The 2024 Season
Aubrey continued as Dallas’s starting kicker in 2024. He converted 40 of 47 field-goal attempts, giving him an 85.1% success rate. He also made all 30 of his extra-point attempts.
His longest successful field goal of the season traveled 65 yards, demonstrating his ability to score from an exceptional distance.
Although his field-goal percentage was lower than it had been in his rookie season, his workload increased and he continued to provide the Cowboys with a reliable scoring option.
The 2024 campaign also gave him additional experience dealing with changing weather, different stadium conditions and the pressure associated with close games.
The 2025 Season
Aubrey converted 36 of 42 field-goal attempts in 2025, finishing with an 85.7% success rate. He made 47 of 48 extra points.
He also continued to produce from long range. His longest successful field goal was 64 yards, and he made 11 field goals from at least 50 yards, according to the Cowboys’ published season statistics.
His performances earned another Pro Bowl selection and Second-Team All-Pro recognition.
These results reinforced his position as one of the league’s most productive kickers. His ability to make long attempts gave Dallas an option to score when it could not move the ball close enough for a shorter kick.
The 2026 Season
Aubrey entered the 2026 season with a new contract and continued as the Cowboys’ starting kicker. Dallas opened the season against the New York Giants before facing the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens.
Against Washington, Aubrey made a 60-yard field goal and converted all seven of his scoring kicks in the game.
In the September 27 matchup against Baltimore, he made a 23-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining to tie the score at 34–34.
The Ravens then moved into position for a game-winning kick as time expired, leaving Dallas with a 34–31 defeat. The moment illustrated the unusual pressure placed on NFL kickers.
A short kick can become decisive when the clock is nearly finished, while a team’s final result can still depend on what happens after the ball leaves the kicker’s foot.
The season is still in progress as of October 2026. His final 2026 statistics and any additional records will depend on the remaining games.
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Brandon Aubrey’s Career Statistics
The following table summarizes Aubrey’s regular-season field-goal and extra-point results with Dallas through the first three games of the 2026 season.
The numbers show how Aubrey has maintained a high level of accuracy across several seasons. His 2023 campaign remains his most accurate full NFL season by field-goal percentage, while his 2024 season featured his longest successful field goal at 65 yards.
The figures also demonstrate why kickers are evaluated using more than one statistic. Field-goal percentage measures accuracy but distance, attempt difficulty and performance under pressure also matter.
Extra-point conversion rates provide another measure of consistency. Aubrey’s overall field-goal success rate of 88.1% through the first three games of 2026 reflects his strong results across his initial NFL seasons.
| Season | Games | Field Goals Made/Attempted | Field-Goal Percentage | Extra Points Made/Attempted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 17 | 36/38 | 94.7% | 49/52 |
| 2024 | 17 | 40/47 | 85.1% | 30/30 |
| 2025 | 17 | 36/42 | 85.7% | 47/48 |
| 2026 (first 3 games) | 3 | 6/7 | 85.7% | 8/9 |
| Total | 54 | 118/134 | 88.1% | 134/139 |
Why Brandon Aubrey Is Important to the Dallas Cowboys
A kicker can influence an NFL game without handling the ball on every offensive play.
Field goals allow teams to score when a drive ends before reaching the end zone, while extra points follow touchdowns.
Aubrey’s range gives the Cowboys flexibility in deciding whether to attempt a field goal or continue an offensive drive. Coaches can consider a long attempt when the offense reaches midfield or a similar position that might be too far away for another kicker.
This ability can affect decisions on fourth down. A team might attempt a field goal rather than risk losing possession, particularly when the score is close or the game is nearing its end.
His performance also creates value in games where touchdowns are difficult to score. A successful field goal can narrow a deficit, extend a lead or tie a game late in the fourth quarter.
However, kicking success depends on the entire special teams unit. The long snapper must deliver the ball accurately, the holder must position it correctly and the offensive line must protect the kick from defensive pressure.
Weather and field conditions can also influence the outcome. Aubrey’s individual ability is important, but it operates within this larger team structure.
Brandon Aubrey’s Record-Breaking Contract
On April 20, 2026, the Dallas Cowboys agreed to a four-year contract extension with Aubrey worth $28 million. The deal made him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history at the time of signing.
The contract has an average annual value of $7 million. The agreement reflected the team’s intention to keep a player who had delivered three Pro Bowl seasons and established himself as a consistent source of points.
The Cowboys announced the agreement through their official website. The deal was a major development in Aubrey’s career because it secured his future with the team beyond the short-term contracts often associated with developing players.
The contract also reflected the changing value of specialist positions in the NFL. Kickers can have a direct effect on close games and teams increasingly recognize the importance of reliable scoring from long distances.
Aubrey’s career path makes the agreement especially notable. He moved from professional soccer to software engineering before earning an NFL opportunity.
Within three seasons, he had become a record-setting earner at his position. The contract does not guarantee future performance.
Like other NFL players, Aubrey must continue to deliver results while managing the physical and mental demands of the sport.
Nevertheless, the extension represents a significant vote of confidence from the Cowboys.
Brandon Aubrey’s Personal Life and Family
Aubrey keeps much of his personal life away from the spotlight but some details have been shared in interviews with the Dallas Cowboys.
He is married and has a family with his wife. She played an important role in his move toward American football by encouraging him to consider kicking professionally after his soccer career had stalled.
That encouragement became a turning point. Aubrey began practicing and working with a specialist coach before earning his opportunity with the Birmingham Stallions.
The story is an example of how a career change can develop through a combination of personal support, preparation and a willingness to try something new.
He has also demonstrated an ability to balance interests beyond sports. His experience as a software engineer shows that he had developed a professional career outside athletics before committing to American football.
As a public figure, Aubrey is increasingly recognized by NFL fans, but his personal identity extends beyond his statistics and contract. His education, work experience and family support are all part of the story behind his unusual rise.
What Makes Brandon Aubrey’s Story Different?
Many NFL players spend years in football programs before entering the professional league. Aubrey followed a different route.
He played professional soccer, moved into software engineering and then retrained as a football kicker. His NFL career began at an age when many players have already spent several seasons in the league.
This path demonstrates that athletic skills can sometimes transfer between sports, although the transition still requires extensive work.
Aubrey’s soccer experience gave him a useful starting point but it did not remove the need to learn the details of American football.
His story also illustrates the importance of persistence after a career setback. Professional soccer did not become the long-term career he had expected but he found another way to use his sporting ability.
His success did not happen immediately. He trained for years, worked with a specialist coach and used the USFL as a route toward the NFL.
Those steps helped him prepare for a professional opportunity rather than relying on natural kicking ability alone. For sports fans, his career is a reminder that professional athletes can follow unconventional routes.
It also shows that success in sport often depends on adapting to new environments, learning specialized techniques and taking opportunities when they arise.
Why Is Brandon Aubrey Trending in the United States?
Aubrey’s name can attract increased search interest for several reasons, especially during the NFL season.
First, his field goals can decide close games. A late kick or a long-range attempt often becomes a major talking point among fans.
His 23-yard field goal to tie the September 2026 game against Baltimore was an example of how his performance could become central to a match’s final moments.
Second, his contract made national sports headlines. The four-year, $28 million extension announced in April 2026 established a new financial benchmark for NFL kickers at the time.
Fans searching for his salary or contract details may therefore encounter his name in sports news.
Third, his career path is unusual. The move from professional soccer to software engineering and then to the NFL gives sports coverage a broader human-interest angle.
Readers who do not follow the Cowboys closely may still be interested in how he reached the league.
Fourth, the Cowboys have a large national fan base. Dallas is one of the NFL’s best-known franchises, and its games receive substantial media coverage.
Trending-search status can change quickly. It does not always indicate a controversy or a new personal development.
In Aubrey’s case, his contract, game-winning opportunities and unusual professional journey offer clear reasons for continued interest.
FAQ’s
1. Who is Brandon Aubrey?
Brandon Aubrey is an American professional football placekicker for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. He is known for his long-range field goals and his unusual journey from professional soccer to American football.
2. How old is Brandon Aubrey?
Brandon Aubrey was born on March 14, 1995. He is 31 years old as of October 2026.
3. Which NFL team does Brandon Aubrey play for?
He plays for the Dallas Cowboys and wears jersey number 17. He joined the team in 2023 and became its starting kicker.
4. What is Brandon Aubrey’s contract worth?
In April 2026, Aubrey agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $28 million. The deal has an average annual value of $7 million and made him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history at the time of signing.
5. What college did Brandon Aubrey attend?
Aubrey attended the University of Notre Dame, where he played college soccer. His background in soccer later helped him transition to American football.
Conclusion
Brandon Aubrey has built an unusual and successful career by moving from professional soccer into American football.
Born in Plano, Texas, in 1995, he played college soccer at Notre Dame before competing professionally and later working as a software engineer.
His transition to football required years of specialist training and a successful spell with the Birmingham Stallions. The Dallas Cowboys signed him in 2023, and he quickly established himself as one of the league’s leading kickers.
As the 2026 season continues, his statistics and performances will remain important subjects for Cowboys fans and NFL observers.
Whatever comes next, his journey from soccer player to record-setting NFL kicker has already made him a distinctive figure in American football.
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