Brandon Aubrey kicking a field goal
The Dallas Cowboys, in their quest to solidify their kicking game, have signed former USFL standout Brandon Aubrey. This move comes after an extensive offseason search for a kicker to compete with Tristan Vizcaino.
Aubrey, who hails from Plano, Texas, boasts an athletic background, albeit in a different sport. He enjoyed a successful four-year soccer career at Notre Dame as a defender, showcasing his skills with 15 goals in 76 appearances. His talent earned him a first-round selection by Toronto FC in the 2017 MLS Draft. However, Aubrey’s soccer journey ended in 2018, paving the way for an unexpected career shift.
From the Pitch to the Gridiron: A Kicker’s Journey
Four years after his soccer career ended, Aubrey embarked on a new path – as a placekicker in the USFL. He joined the Birmingham Stallions, quickly establishing himself as a top kicker in the league. His performance earned him All-USFL honors in 2022, and he played a crucial role in leading the Stallions to a USFL Championship in 2023.
Aubrey’s impressive 2023 season saw him successfully convert 14 of 15 field goals and all 35 extra-point attempts. This success caught the eye of the Cowboys, who saw his potential to translate to the NFL.
Cowboys Turn to the USFL Once Again
The Cowboys’ decision to sign Aubrey reflects their willingness to explore talent beyond the traditional NFL pipeline. This approach proved fruitful in 2022 when they signed KaVontae Turpin, another USFL standout. Turpin, like Aubrey, had a local connection, having played at TCU. He earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors as a return specialist in his rookie season.
“It’s one of the great things about these leagues,” remarked Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President Stephen Jones, highlighting the emergence of alternative leagues. “Just like we found Turpin last year. The staff is doing a good job evaluating the guys. We’ll see where we end up.”
This year, the Cowboys’ search led them to Aubrey.
Training Camp Battle Looms
Aubrey joins the Cowboys with the opportunity to compete for the starting kicker position. He’ll be going head-to-head with Tristan Vizcaino at training camp in Oxnard, Calif., starting July 24th. Despite the availability of veteran kickers like Mason Crosby and Robbie Gould in free agency, the Cowboys remained committed to exploring all options, including the USFL.
The Cowboys are hoping that Aubrey’s journey from soccer star to USFL champion will culminate in a successful NFL career. With his talent and determination, Aubrey is poised to make his mark in Dallas.
