Brandon Aubrey, the former Birmingham Stallions kicker, made his NFL debut last night. He spent the last two seasons in the USFL, winning back to back championships with the Stallions.
Aubrey has a fascinating story. He was a standout soccer player for Notre Dame, and ended up playing for a couple of MLS organizations coming out of college.
Then, he decided to give professional football a try. The USFL offered him an opportunity, and he made the most of it – earning All-USFL honors during the 2022 season.
3 more 🙌 @Brandon_Aubrey has his second FG 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Z3Csa8YBKU
— B2B CHAMPIONSTALLIONS 🏆🏆 (@USFLStallions) June 17, 2023
After impressing this past year with Birmingham, the Dallas Cowboys decided to take a gamble and give Brandon Aubrey a chance.
He did quite well in preseason, ultimately beating out Tristan Vizcaino for the starting gig. His long and unprecedented journey culminated on Sunday Night Football on NBC, as Brandon saw quite a bit of action for the Dallas Cowboys.
NFL Debut Recap
Things got off to a rough start for Aubrey. He shanked his first XP attempt left, which caught quite a bit of attention on social media.
AND HERE WE GO AGAIN WITH ANOTHER KICKER WHO HAS NEVER KICKED IN THE NFL … MISSING HIS FIRST EXTRA POINT. THIS KID DIDN'T EVEN KICK IN COLLEGE, JERRY. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING???
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) September 11, 2023
With the jitters behind him, Brandon Aubrey turned things around. He was given an opportunity to redeem himself with a 21 yard field goal, which he nailed.
WATCH: Former @USFLStallions kicker Brandon Aubrey makes his first official field goal attempt in the NFL (21 yards).
After missing the first XP attempt of the game, Aubrey knocks through a FG – and also just made an XP.
Spring football works. #USFLpic.twitter.com/r7NHA8BmsT
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) September 11, 2023
Throughout the first half, Brandon was put to work. He ended up connecting on his next two extra point attempts, and also hit a 38 yard field goal.
Impressive first half for Brandon Aubrey:
2/3 XP
2/2 FG (21, 38)Aubrey's story is fascinating. Formerly an MLS soccer player, Brandon played in the #USFL for two seasons with the @USFLStallions, winning two Championships. Making noise in his NFL debut.pic.twitter.com/uFppASXu1B
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) September 11, 2023
Heading into halftime, Brandon Aubrey was 2/2 on field goals, and 2/3 on XP attempts.
In the second half, Aubrey continued to perform. He made both XP attempts, finding a rhythm after the early miss. Hopefully with a full game behind him, Aubrey’s confidence will continue to grow week after week.
Final Thoughts
Once again, the USFL continues to prove that it’s filled with quality talent. In addition, the national platform they provide to their players on FOX and NBC gives them opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.
The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to the USFL. 2022 MVP KaVontae Turpin signed with Dallas last year, and eventually made the Pro Bowl as a returner. Turpin saw some action in last night’s game as well – scoring a late touchdown to put the team up 40-0.
WATCH: Former #USFL MVP KaVontae Turpin scores his first NFL touchdown for the Dallas Cowboys.
Turpin was electrifying for the @USFLGenerals in 2022 and made the NFL Pro Bowl as a returner last year.
Former @USFLStallions K Brandon Aubrey with the PAT.pic.twitter.com/7d7hgTFAQA
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) September 11, 2023
KaVontae Turpin finished the night with two receptions for 11 yards, alongside three carries for 14 yards.
Former Philadelphia Stars DT LaBryan Ray was active today for the Carolina Panthers, but did not see much action in their loss.
Through just two seasons, the USFL has provided over 100 of their athletes with NFL opportunities. Heading towards season three, the future is incredibly bright for the professional spring football league.
What are your thoughts on Brandon Aubrey and his performance last night with the Cowboys? Which USFL players deserve NFL opportunities? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
