At just 28 years old, rookie Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys has embarked on an incredible journey to fulfill his NFL dream.
Unexpectedly, even to Brandon Aubrey himself, a meeting with a kicking specialist in North Texas transformed everything, unlocking a new opportunity for Aubrey and fulfilling a crucial role for the Dallas Cowboys.
Top-notch kickers in football wield both powerful legs and unshakable mental fortitude.
“Brian Egan emphasizes the often-overlooked mental aspect of kicking, stating, ‘Many athletes can kick a ball effectively, but the mental side is equally crucial. It’s a challenging journey, and perfection isn’t guaranteed.”
Brandon Aubrey’s journey filled with mental resilience has molded him for this defining moment.
A standout soccer player at Plano High School and Notre Dame, Aubrey was drafted in the first round by Toronto FC in Major League Soccer back in 2017.
However, his professional soccer dream was cut short when Aubrey was let go by the organization after just one season.
“That opportunity caught me off guard mentally,” Aubrey reflected. “I recognized the need to develop and grow, but with the fast pace of the MLS, I didn’t have the time to fully mature and secure my spot at that level.”
With his MLS career unexpectedly concluded, Aubrey redirected his attention from soccer balls to footballs. He embarked on a quest to find the right guidance for this transition, leading him to the doorstep of Brian Egan, a renowned coach at One-On-One Kicking.
“It was a stroke of luck,” Aubrey explained. “I simply searched for kicking coaches in Dallas online, and Brian Egan’s name was the first to appear. I filled out his email form for a free lesson, gave him a call, and joined his camp originally designed for high school and middle school kickers looking to find their way.”
“When he first walked in, it was a unique situation,” recalled Egan. “I noticed his age right away and had a chat with him about his background. What stood out most that day was his innate talent—having been a professional soccer player, he had a natural knack for ball striking.”
Aubrey’s impressive ball-striking skills, combined with Egan’s coaching, paved the way for a tryout with the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions.
Following consecutive all-pro seasons and back-to-back USFL championship victories, he earned a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys in the summer of 2023. Eventually, he clinched the starting kicker position for America’s Team.
“The moment I stood behind him and saw the ball take flight, I knew he had the talent,” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy shared. “I have full confidence in him. He’s got a versatile kicking game, a crucial skill in controlling the football. I’ve been thoroughly impressed.”
He left a lasting impression on the Cowboys’ coaching staff and has embarked on a promising NFL career. His resilience, forged through the challenges of his journey, fuels a bright future in football.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Aubrey admitted. “I try not to overthink it, just concentrate on each day and stay prepared for Sunday.”
“The sky’s the limit,” Egan exclaimed. “He’s earned his spot, and now it’s all about consistently delivering. If he keeps that up, he’ll be one of the elite 32 in the world, and that’s an impressive achievement.”
When Brandon Aubrey first showed up for a kicking session with Brian Egan, he had nothing more than a plastic football and tee. Fast forward three years, and after tonight’s game against San Francisco, he’s now boasting an impressive on field goal attempts this NFL season.
