Dallas Cowboys Kicker Brandon Aubrey Reacts to New Kickoff Rule: 'Save The Leg!'

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey will have to get used to the new rule changes hitting the league in 2024. How does he plan on adjusting?

Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) kicks / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey was immaculate in his first NFL season. His second season will look significantly different.

That’s through no fault of his own. Changes to the league’s kickoff rule will fundamentally change how teams approach kicking and returning. While it’s a new challenge, it should make the game both safer and more exciting, hopefully revitalizing the third facet of the sport.

The kicking team will align on the receiving team’s 40-yard line, while the receiving team sets up with at least nine players between their own 30- and 35-yard lines – the remainder likely designated as a returner.

Nov 19, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) kicks / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

From there, the 20-yard line to the goaline is considered the landing zone. Any kick that lands in said zone must be returned, and if the ball bounces into the end zone, it must be returned or downed for a touchback to the 20-yard line. If the ball enters the end zone on the fly, the receiving team can return it or down it for a touchback at the 30-yard line.

It’s simpler than it may look but is something players, fans, and coaches will need a second to get used to the change. Aubrey spoke to The Dumb Zone about the transition and how he’ll approach it.

“It’s exciting, it’s something new, and it’ll save a couple years off on my leg if we’re landing it between the goalline and the 20-yard line,” Aubrey said. “So I’m excited about that ‘cause kickoffs are probably what age your leg the most. You’re putting your whole body into it and you’re trying to send it to the moon. 

“So, I’m excited. I might have to make a few tackles, but it’ll be fun.”

Aubrey said he has six career tackles to his name from his time in the USFL, but he hopes his coverage team abdicates him from that responsibility. 

As for adjusting his strategy for the new rule, Aubrey anticipates making the requisite changes to his game in training camp.

“Well hangtime is probably irrelevant now, too, because no one can move’ til you catch the ball,” Aubrey said. “So we’ll work [the aiming point] out with Bones (special teams coordinator John Fassel) in training camp and he’ll give me whatever he wants and I’ll go and do it to the best of my ability.

“But it’ll be interesting. I think you kind of want the ball on the ground if I have a guess ‘cause … If it bounces and rolls into the end zone, that’s a good thing. … So, like getting it on the ground would be a huge win, but that’s going to be hard with two returners back there.”

Aubrey was exceptional in virtually every facet of the job in 2023, helping Dallas rank 10th in special teams defense-adjusted value over average. With the margins shrinking on the Cowboys’ path to success, Aubrey and the rest of the special teams unit may have even more on their plate in 2024.