Key Takeaways:
– Dallas Cowboy’s rookie, Brandon Aubrey, underwent an appendectomy during the offseason.
– Despite an active appendicitis, Aubrey played in the NFL Pro Bowl, taking antibiotics as a temporary measure.
– Aubrey has had an impressive NFL debut season, leading the league with a 94.7% field goal completion rate.
– Aubrey’s successful transition from soccer star to NFL kicker is noteworthy in his journey.
– The mandatory rest period after his surgery has provided Aubrey the needed mental and physical break.
When the Burning Desire to Perform Overrules Pain
Dallas Cowboys’ new star, Brandon Aubrey, demonstrated his commitment towards his sport during the recent Pro Bowl. The rookie kicker, who switched from soccer to American football, postponed an emergency appendectomy to play at the famed NFL event. With an undeniable pain in his abdomen, Brandon chose to play through the discomfort rather than miss the much-anticipated game.
Despite the soaring pain during the Pro Bowl weekend in Orlando, Aubrey, powered by antibiotics, hung on and went under the knife soon after. He revealed his heroic ordeal earlier this week, when he stated, “I wanted to be at the Pro Bowl so they gave me antibiotics instead of taking it then and there. Got me 10 days, made it through the Pro Bowl, got home and got it out.”
An Impressive Rookie Season Earns Pro Bowl Call-up
Aubrey’s first NFL season was nothing short of spectacular after his transition from the United Soccer Football League (USFL) to the NFL. His stunning performance earned him the right to participate in the Pro Bowl festivities. Not only did he lead the NFL with 36 successful field goals out of 38 attempts — a remarkable 94.7% success rate; Aubrey also nailed all of his 10 attempts of 50 yards or more.
His accuracy didn’t just stop at field goals. Aubrey adapted well to the NFL’s high-pressure situations, making 49 out of 52 of his extra-point attempts. This consistent performance made the Dallas Cowboys realize that they had found a reliable player in him.
From Soccer Star to NFL Kicker: Brandon Aubrey’s Evolution
Prior to his NFL fame, the 29-year-old was a shining star at Notre Dame in college. His soccer skills earned him first-round selection by the Toronto Football Club in Major League Soccer (MLS). However, when this career petered out, Brandon found himself working with computers. But a latent love for sports led him to retrain and emerge as a placekicker.
Brandon spent two seasons with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL before signing with the Cowboys. It was an unforgettable journey, which as per Aubrey, is now behind him. Looking ahead, he said, “This year is gonna be its own thing. I’ve got to go and make sure it’s a good year as well.”
An Unexpected Break for Aubrey
The offseason surgery served as an unexpected leisure time for Aubrey. Following his successful NFL season and grueling training sessions, the six weeks of recovery post-operation acted as a much-needed break. Speaking about his forced rest, he said, “You don’t really realize where you’re at until you kind of slow down and stop. Maybe a little bit of mental fatigue, some fatigue in the leg so it was good to get that break.”
With his undeterred spirit and unquestionable commitment, Brandon Aubrey stands firm, ready to embrace the new season. After a forced pause and ample recovery time, fans cannot wait to watch him dominate the field once again.