Dallas Cowboys Kickers: The Unsung Heroes Of America's Team

Petra Dickens 29 Jul 2025

When you think about the Dallas Cowboys, you probably picture legendary quarterbacks, speedy wide receivers, or tough defensive linemen. But, in a way, there's a vital part of the team that often stays out of the spotlight: the kickers. These athletes, who stand alone at a crucial moment, hold a unique place in the team's story. Their ability to deliver points, sometimes under very intense pressure, can truly shape the outcome of a game, and even a season. It's an often-overlooked position, yet its importance cannot be overstated, especially for a team with such a rich and storied past.

Think about it: a game might come down to one single kick, a swing of the leg that either wins it all or leaves fans feeling a bit disappointed. For the Dallas Cowboys, a team that means so much to its home city, these moments are etched into history. The kickers, you know, they've been there for some of the highest highs and, too, some of the lowest lows. Their work, very often, makes the difference between a victory parade and a quiet flight home.

This piece will explore the world of Dallas Cowboys kickers, looking at their history, the challenges they face, and why their contributions are so important to the team's identity. We will also touch on how the Cowboys are a big part of what makes Dallas, Texas, a place many people want to visit and experience. From the city's lively events calendar to its many attractions, the Cowboys are, frankly, a huge draw, and the kickers play their part in that grand story.

The History of Cowboys Kickers: A Look Back
The Role and Challenges of a Cowboys Kicker
Notable Dallas Cowboys Kickers Through the Years
The Impact of Kickers on Team Success
The Current Kicking Situation and the Future
Dallas Cowboys Kickers: Frequently Asked Questions
The Cowboys and the Spirit of Dallas
A Final Thought on the Kicking Game

The History of Cowboys Kickers: A Look Back

The Dallas Cowboys have had many kickers over their long history, and each one, more or less, has left their own mark. From the early days of the franchise in the 1960s, through the Super Bowl wins of the 1970s and 1990s, right up to today, the kicking position has seen its share of ups and downs. It's a spot on the team that needs a very specific kind of mental toughness, you know, and a steady leg. The team's journey through the decades is, in some respects, tied to these players who put points on the board.

In the beginning, many players handled multiple roles, and kicking was just one of them. As the game became more specialized, the dedicated kicker came into being. This change allowed for more focus on the craft of kicking, leading to more accurate and longer field goals. The Cowboys, like other teams, adapted to this, always looking for that one person who could be counted on when it truly mattered.

The history of Dallas Cowboys kickers shows a pattern of finding talent, developing it, and sometimes, making tough choices when things didn't quite work out. It's a story of constant searching for consistency, which is, frankly, the most valuable trait for a kicker. The team's overall success, over time, has often been helped by the quiet work of these individuals.

The Role and Challenges of a Cowboys Kicker

A kicker's job might seem simple on the surface: kick the ball through the uprights. But, actually, there's a lot more to it than that. Kickers are responsible for field goals, extra points, and sometimes even kickoffs. Each of these tasks has its own set of demands. A field goal attempt, for instance, requires perfect timing from the snap to the hold to the kick, all happening in a matter of seconds. The pressure, very often, is immense.

The challenges for a Dallas Cowboys kicker are, you know, unique. They play for one of the most famous sports teams in the world, often called "America's Team." This means every kick, every single one, is watched by millions of fans, and the expectations are incredibly high. The stadium, AT&T Stadium, is a huge place, and the atmosphere can be electric, which adds to the pressure. The wind patterns, the field conditions, and the noise from the crowd all play a part in how hard the job can be.

Beyond the physical act of kicking, there's a huge mental component. A kicker needs to have a short memory, able to shake off a missed kick and focus entirely on the next one. They need to be incredibly resilient, as the position can be very unforgiving. One mistake can, you know, cost a game, and that can weigh heavily on a person. It's a lonely job in some ways, but the moments of triumph are, truly, special.

Notable Dallas Cowboys Kickers Through the Years

Over the years, a few Dallas Cowboys kickers have really stood out, leaving a lasting mark on the franchise's record books and in the memories of fans. These are the players who, you know, delivered when it counted most, becoming fan favorites for their consistency and clutch performances. Their stories are a part of the broader history of the team, a team that is, in fact, a big part of Dallas itself, a city with a storied past and a booming economy, as "My text" notes.

Dan Bailey

Dan Bailey, arguably, holds a very special place in the hearts of many Cowboys fans. He played for the team from 2011 to 2017 and, basically, became known for his incredible accuracy. For a long time, he held the record for the highest field goal percentage in NFL history among kickers with a certain number of attempts. He was, in a way, a reliable source of points, and fans felt confident whenever he stepped onto the field. His time with the team saw many important kicks, and he rarely, you know, missed.

Bailey's calm demeanor under pressure was something that really stood out. Whether it was a short extra point or a long game-winning field goal, he approached every kick with the same focus. He was, you know, a true professional, and his consistency was a huge asset to the team during his tenure. Many people would say he was one of the very best to ever wear the star.

Rafael Septién

Before Bailey, Rafael Septién was the man for the Cowboys throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. He joined the team in 1977 and stayed until 1986, becoming a key part of the "America's Team" era. Septién was, truly, a consistent performer during a period when the Cowboys were often competing for championships. He played in two Super Bowls with the team, winning one.

Septién's powerful leg and ability to make long kicks were, actually, quite impressive for his time. He set many franchise records that stood for years, showing just how important his contributions were to the team's success during that golden era. His name is, in fact, still remembered fondly by older fans who recall those championship teams.

Chris Boniol

Chris Boniol had a shorter but still very impactful run with the Cowboys in the mid-1990s. He was part of the team that won Super Bowl XXX in 1996. Boniol, you know, was known for his steady performance and played a quiet but important role in those championship seasons. He set a then-NFL record for most consecutive field goals made in a single season.

His reliability during a time when the Cowboys were dominating the league showed the importance of having a kicker you could trust. Boniol, basically, helped keep the scoreboard ticking over, allowing the team's powerful offense to focus on making big plays without worrying about missed opportunities for points.

Other Important Contributors

While Bailey, Septién, and Boniol are often highlighted, many other kickers have contributed to the Dallas Cowboys' story. Players like Richie Cunningham, Nick Folk, and, more recently, Brett Maher and Brandon Aubrey, have all had their moments, some good, some a bit tough. Each kicker faces the same bright lights and high expectations that come with playing for the Cowboys. The team is, after all, a major part of the city's identity, a reason people visit Dallas and explore its many offerings, as our official Visit Dallas site points out.

The Impact of Kickers on Team Success

It's easy to overlook the kicker, but their impact on a team's success is, you know, really big. In close games, which happen a lot in the NFL, a kicker can be the difference between a win and a loss. A missed extra point can force a team to go for two later, changing the entire game plan. A long field goal can shift momentum, or, in some respects, seal a victory in the final seconds. These moments are, frankly, unforgettable for fans.

Consider the famous "Ice Bowl" game in 1967, though not involving a Cowboys kicker directly, it showed how one play at the end can decide everything. For the Cowboys, countless games have come down to a kick. The ability to consistently put points on the board, whether it's after a touchdown or from a long field goal, takes pressure off the offense and defense. It means, you know, every drive has a chance to end in points, which is a huge psychological boost.

The trust a coach places in their kicker is, truly, a reflection of their belief in the player's ability to handle pressure. When a team knows they have a reliable kicker, it changes how they approach offensive drives, especially when they get into scoring range but don't quite make it to the end zone. This trust, you know, allows for a more flexible and, basically, effective game strategy.

The Current Kicking Situation and the Future

The Dallas Cowboys, like many NFL teams, are always looking for that perfect kicker, the one who can be a consistent, long-term solution. The position can be a bit of a revolving door for some teams, but finding stability there is, actually, a huge advantage. As of early 2024, the team has been exploring options, looking for someone who can step up and deliver when it counts. This ongoing search is a common theme in the NFL, where every point truly matters.

The future of Dallas Cowboys kickers will likely see continued emphasis on accuracy, leg strength, and, you know, mental toughness. As the game evolves, so do the demands on kickers, with longer field goals becoming more common. The team's scouting department is always on the lookout for talent, whether it's from college or other professional leagues. The goal is always to find that player who can, in fact, be a difference-maker for years to come.

The current player holding the kicking duties, Brandon Aubrey, has, you know, started his career with a remarkable run of success, setting records for consecutive field goals made. This kind of consistency is exactly what the Cowboys and their fans hope for. It shows that, sometimes, finding the right person for the job can make a world of difference, and his performance has, truly, been a bright spot in recent seasons.

Dallas Cowboys Kickers: Frequently Asked Questions

People often have questions about the Dallas Cowboys and their kickers. Here are some common ones:

Who is the current Dallas Cowboys kicker?

As of the start of the 2024 NFL season, the primary kicker for the Dallas Cowboys is Brandon Aubrey. He joined the team in 2023 and, basically, had an incredibly successful rookie year, making all of his field goal attempts during the regular season. He quickly became a reliable source of points for the team, which is, you know, exactly what they needed.

What is the longest field goal in Dallas Cowboys history?

The longest field goal in Dallas Cowboys history was a 63-yard kick made by Brett Maher. He achieved this impressive feat during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 20, 2019. It was, in a way, a truly memorable moment, showing the kind of leg strength and accuracy needed for such a long attempt. That kick, frankly, was a real highlight.

How important are kickers to the Dallas Cowboys' success?

Kickers are, you know, incredibly important to the Dallas Cowboys' success. While they might not get the same attention as quarterbacks or star defenders, their ability to consistently convert field goals and extra points directly impacts game outcomes. In the very competitive NFL, where many games are decided by a small number of points, a reliable kicker can be the difference between winning and losing. They are, truly, unsung heroes who contribute greatly to the team's overall performance.

The Cowboys and the Spirit of Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys are more than just a football team; they are, in some respects, a symbol of the city of Dallas itself. As "My text" points out, Dallas is a global city known for its booming economy, diverse culture, and welcoming atmosphere. The Cowboys are a huge part of that identity, drawing visitors from all over the world. People come to Dallas not just for the museums, shopping, or food, but also, you know, to experience the excitement of America's Team.

When you visit Dallas, you'll find that the Cowboys are woven into the fabric of the city. From game days that bring the city alive to the many events that celebrate the team, the Cowboys are a central part of the Dallas experience. The official Visit Dallas calendar of events, for instance, often features sports events, including those related to the Cowboys, alongside concerts and festivals. This connection between the team and the city means that every player, including the kickers, plays a part in the larger story of Dallas tourism.

The team's storied history, which includes many memorable moments from its kickers, is part of what makes Dallas a fascinating place to explore. Whether you're interested in the city's humble beginnings as a trading post or its emergence as a major global hub, the Cowboys are, you know, a key piece of that historical puzzle. Learning about the team's past, and the players who shaped it, is just one of the many interesting facts about Dallas that visitors can discover.

A Final Thought on the Kicking Game

The position of Dallas Cowboys kicker is, truly, one of constant pressure and high stakes. These athletes, often quietly, contribute immensely to the team's success, making the difference in countless games. Their ability to perform under the brightest lights, with millions watching, is a testament to their mental fortitude and skill. The history of the Cowboys is, in a way, marked by the powerful legs and steady nerves of these unsung heroes.

As the NFL continues to evolve, the importance of a reliable kicking game will only grow. For the Dallas Cowboys, finding and keeping that consistent kicker remains a top priority, a key piece in their ongoing quest for championships. The next time you watch a Cowboys game, take a moment to appreciate the kicker, the player who, you know, often holds the game's fate in their very capable hands. You can learn more about the team's history and other attractions on our site, Visit Dallas, which is, frankly, a great resource for planning your trip to Dallas, Texas.

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