Brandon Aubrey’s rise to becoming the highest-paid kicker in NFL history started with a simple moment at home in 2019.
At the time, Aubrey was far removed from football, pursuing a career in software engineering after his soccer journey had come to an end.
But one comment from his wife would end up changing everything, setting him on a completely different path.
As highlighted by NFL insider Ari Meirov, the turning point came during a casual moment watching TV.
“In 2019, Brandon Aubrey’s wife, Jenn, told him he could make a FG she saw missed on TV since he was a former soccer player,” Meirov wrote.
He added, “Aubrey dropped his software engineering pursuit, started training as a kicker, and now in 2026 is the highest-paid kicker in NFL history on a 4-year, $28M contract.”
That suggestion led Aubrey to begin training as a kicker, leaning on his soccer background and committing fully to a sport he had never professionally played before.
It marked the start of one of the most unconventional journeys to NFL success in recent memory.
What followed that decision was a remarkably quick ascent through the football ranks.
Aubrey transitioned from private training into the USFL, where he won back-to-back championships before signing with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.
From there, his impact was immediate, as he became one of the most reliable and powerful kickers in the league, finishing his first three seasons with an impressive 88.2% field goal success rate.
His ability from long range stood out even more, including multiple successful kicks from 60 yards and beyond, helping him quickly separate himself from his peers.
That level of consistency and range ultimately led to his four-year, $28 million extension, a deal that set a new benchmark for kickers with a $7 million annual average.
From a passing comment at home to resetting the market at his position, Aubrey’s journey shows just how quickly everything can change with the right opportunity.
What Dak Prescott thinks of George Pickens’ contract negotiations with Dallas Cowboys
Scottie Scheffler responds to Tony Romo’s claim that he could beat him at golf
Shawne Merriman throws shade at Jerry Jones amid Troy Aikman’s Dolphins announcement