Brandon Aubrey’s journey to NFL stardom is already one of the most unique in modern football lore. From professional soccer player to software engineer to one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, his story is nothing short of remarkable. But this season, the Dallas Cowboys’ standout kicker is managing something far more demanding than pressure-packed field goals — fatherhood.
As the Cowboys enter another pivotal offseason with their eyes on a long-awaited Super Bowl push, Aubrey’s focus remains sharp. Yet, his day now starts earlier and ends later, not with playbooks and film study, but with bottles, diapers, and lullabies. Becoming a first-time dad has added a new dimension to Aubrey’s already improbable career, and the 29-year-old is embracing the challenge with the same calm demeanor he displays on game day.
It’s hard to believe that just a couple of years ago, Aubrey wasn’t even on an NFL roster. After a brief professional soccer career with Toronto FC, he walked away from the sport in 2018 and shifted gears completely, working as a software engineer in the corporate world. But the competitive itch never left him. Encouraged by family and friends, he took up kicking — a skill that came naturally thanks to his soccer roots — and eventually joined the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions in 2022.
His performance in the USFL caught the attention of NFL scouts, and in 2023, the Dallas Cowboys took a chance on the then-unproven kicker. What followed was historic. Aubrey not only won the starting job but set an NFL record by making 35 consecutive field goals to start his career — a feat that cemented his place in Cowboys lore.
But while the pressure of making kicks in front of 80,000 fans is daunting, Aubrey says nothing compares to the sleepless nights and constant demands of being a new parent.
“It’s definitely been an adjustment,” Aubrey said with a laugh during a recent interview at the Cowboys’ facility. “Football teaches you discipline and focus, but being a dad — that’s a whole different ball game. You’re on the clock 24/7.”
His wife, Rachel, gave birth to their son earlier this year, just weeks after the Cowboys wrapped up their season. The timing couldn’t have been more poetic — the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. Aubrey said he was in the delivery room, holding his wife’s hand, still processing the whirlwind that had been his rookie NFL campaign.
“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this is more intense than any game-winning kick I’ve had to make,’” he joked. “But in the best way possible.”
Balancing offseason training and baby duty hasn’t been easy. Aubrey structures his days around his son’s sleep schedule, often waking up at dawn to get in his kicking reps before helping with feedings and household chores. He credits Rachel for being the rock of the family, noting that her support makes it possible for him to still compete at the highest level.
“Rachel’s been amazing,” he said. “She’s doing the real hard work, and I just try to be as helpful as I can. We’re a team — just like on the field.”
Cowboys special teams coordinator John Fassel has taken note of Aubrey’s ability to compartmentalize and maintain focus, even with the new responsibilities at home.
“You wouldn’t know he’s running on three hours of sleep some days,” Fassel said. “He’s locked in when he’s here. That kind of mental toughness is what makes him special — not just as a kicker, but as a person.”
Aubrey’s teammates have rallied around him as well. Veteran players have shared parenting advice, offered support, and even joked about forming a “Cowboys Dads Club.” Quarterback Dak Prescott, who has long admired Aubrey’s discipline and poise, said he’s inspired by how his kicker handles the dual roles.
“Brandon’s got ice in his veins on the field, and now he’s got diapers in his hands at home,” Prescott quipped. “He’s doing both with class. That’s the kind of guy you want on your team.”
As training camp approaches, Aubrey isn’t letting up. He continues to work with kicking coaches, refining his technique and maintaining his physical conditioning. Yet, he says the experience of becoming a father has subtly changed his outlook on the game.
“There’s more perspective now,” Aubrey explained. “Football is still important, and I love what I do. But coming home and seeing my son smile — it reminds you of what really matters.”
That maturity and groundedness could be vital for the Cowboys this season. With questions swirling about the team’s postseason ceiling and potential roster shakeups on the horizon, Aubrey’s stability could offer a key advantage in high-pressure situations. He’s shown he can deliver in clutch moments — and now he’s showing he can deliver bottles at 2 a.m., too.
Cowboys fans, known for their passionate and sometimes critical nature, have embraced Aubrey not only for his accuracy but also for his story. His rise from obscurity, combined with his new role as a father, has endeared him to many across the league.
“It’s kind of cool,” Aubrey admitted. “I’ve gotten messages from fans who say they’re new dads too, and they’re cheering me on. That connection is something I never expected, but it means a lot.”
While most NFL players spend their offseason fine-tuning their bodies, learning new playbooks, or traveling the world, Aubrey’s offseason has been defined by burping cloths and baby monitors. Yet, he insists he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love football. It’s given me a second chance at something incredible,” he said. “But being a dad — that’s the best job I’ve ever had.”
As the Cowboys aim to end their nearly three-decade championship drought, they’ll be counting on Aubrey to continue being the reliable leg they can trust when the game is on the line. And if he can do that after pulling an all-nighter with a crying baby, well, that’s just more proof of the kind of mental strength few kickers — or fathers — possess.
From soccer fields to NFL stadiums, from software coding to lullabies, Brandon Aubrey’s path has been anything but ordinary. And now, as he masters the balancing act of fatherhood and football, he’s becoming the kind of story fans love to root for — the underdog who became a record-breaker, and the kicker who’s learning that the toughest — and most rewarding — job of all begins at home.
