The fact that Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey came dangerously close to having a perfect season of field goal conversion isn’t the most incredible aspect of his rookie campaign. He maintained his winning streak week after week—that is, until Sunday, when Fox Sports commentator Kevin Burkhardt cast a curse.
Aubrey missed two field goals in Dallas’ 38—10 thumping of the Washington Commanders, one of which wasn’t his fault. Blame the special squads of the Commanders and perhaps Burkhardt as well.
Burkhardt mentioned that Aubrey was enjoying “historically the greatest season by a kicker ever” during the first quarter as the former professional soccer player was getting ready for a 32-yard try. Knowing the alleged strength of jinxes and superstitions, Fox analyst Greg Olsen declared categorically, “I’m not talking about it. We’re going to demonstrate [the kick] and then move on.
On the broadcast, Olsen reprimanded Burkhardt for blocking Aubrey’s kick, saying, “I told you to stay away from it.” We’re not the bad guys. We won’t face reprisals from Cowboys supporters.
Since then, Burkhardt has expressed genuine regret to the throngs of superstitious Cowboys supporters who could have been offended by the Fox commentator for putting Aubrey in danger.
“I’m sorry for ruining Brandon Aubrey’s perfect season,” Burkhardt tweeted on Monday. You’re also welcome for yesterday’s lopsided victory and the NFC East championship. I’m hoping that @gregolsen88 and I can chat kickers once more soon.
Later in the game, Aubrey missed another field goal try, hitting the left upright from 36 yards out; but, in the fourth quarter, he eventually converted a 50-yarder.
Prior to Week 18, the former Birmingham Stallions kicker was 35 for 35 on field goals; nonetheless, he will end the season with two regrettable blemishes on an otherwise spotless stat sheet.
Burkhardt, who will call the Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers wild-card playoff game on Saturday, may have helped Dallas somewhat by relieving the Cowboys of the “announcer’s jinx” during the regular season. It will all be on Aubrey if he has the yips during the playoffs, similar to what happened to Brett Maher in January.
At 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, the Cowboys (12-5) take on the Packers (9-8) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
