Brandon Aubrey's Unlikely Journey: From Soccer Star Dreams to NFL Kicker Spotlight

Former Toronto FC Player Brandon Aubrey Kicks His Way to NFL Stardom

Growing up in Plano, Texas, Brandon Aubrey had a different dream than many of his friends who idolized Dallas Cowboys stars. While they aimed to emulate Tony Romo or Jason Witten, Aubrey's inspiration came from across the pond – Thierry Henry, the Arsenal star and World Cup winner.

"Thierry Henry was the best player, a lot of fun to watch. He could do things other players couldn't do," Aubrey shared with ESPN about his childhood idol.

His soccer journey began with the Dallas Texans, the same club that produced USMNT star Clint Dempsey. Excelling in college at Notre Dame, Aubrey won a national championship during his freshman year, earning accolades as a first-team All-ACC pick and the Irish's Most Valuable Player.

In 2017, Toronto FC selected Aubrey as a first-round pick in the MLS Draft (No. 21 overall). However, his professional soccer career lasted only two seasons. A new opportunity emerged unexpectedly while watching an NFL game with his wife, Jenn. Observing a kicker in action, she suggested, "You could do that."

This simple comment set Aubrey on a remarkable path – from kicking at local parks during the pandemic to joining the USFL's Birmingham Stallions for two seasons. Last July, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys. In just two games, Aubrey has made seven field-goal attempts and five of six extra points. Remarkably, his 26 points rank as the most by NFL kickers after two games, marking the fifth-highest total through two career games in NFL history.

Brandon Aubrey's journey from aspiring soccer star to a standout NFL kicker proves that unexpected turns can lead to extraordinary achievements. His story showcases the resilience and determination that turned a childhood dream into an unexpected but successful career transition.