Brandon Aubrey has cemented himself as the best kicker in the NFL. He might be auditioning for a role as a running back any day now.
The Cowboys went into their bag of tricks early in Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, calling Aubrey’s number on a fourth-down fake field goal pitch-out.
After the Cowboys picked off a pass on the Vikings’ first drive of the game, they appeared poised to take an early three-point lead after failing to convert a third down.
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Brian Schottenheimer and the Cowboys special teams crew had other plans, though, and dialed up an over-the-back pitch from holder Bryan Anger to Aubrey, who caught the pitch, ran forward six yards for the first down then added a rather stylish slide to down himself before the defense could get to him.
It might go without saying, but that’s the first carry of Aubrey’s career.
Per Cowboys PR, it’s the first fake field goal the Cowboys have attempted since 2001.
It paid off for the Cowboys, as the drive continued deep into Minnesota territory until RB Javonte Williams punched in a go-ahead touchdown for the first score of the game.
Before he was the NFL’s best kicker, Aubrey got his start in athletics as a soccer player, and played at the collegiate level at Notre Dame. Seems like he’s still got some of that natural athleticism stored away for when he needs it.
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