Introduction
Brandon Aubrey has one of the most fascinating — and unusual — career arcs in recent sports history. From being a soccer draft pick in Major League Soccer (MLS), to shifting to American football, and rising rapidly up the ranks in National Football League (NFL), his story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and talent. In this article, we explore his journey, how much he makes now, his fantasy value, and why he’s a name you should know — whether you follow soccer, football, or fantasy leagues.
Early Career: Soccer and MLS Draft
-
Brandon Aubrey began his athletic career as a professional soccer player.
-
In 2017, he was selected in the first round (21st overall) of the MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC.
-
He was loaned to Toronto FC II (USL) for the 2017 season, making his professional debut for the second team.
-
However, his time in soccer was short-lived. By the end of the 2018 season — after a brief stint with Bethlehem Steel FC — he was released and his soccer career didn’t continue.
-
In hindsight, this period might seem modest — but it laid the foundation for something much bigger.
The Switch: From Soccer to American Football
-
After his soccer career stalled, Aubrey didn’t give up on professional sports. Instead, he pivoted — and turned to American football, aiming to become a kicker.
-
He joined the Birmingham Stallions in the United States Football League (USFL).
-
In the 2022 season, he made 18 of 22 field goal attempts (81.8%) and converted 22 of 24 extra-point attempts (91.7%) — both league-leading figures.
-
His success continued in 2023: 14-for-15 on field goals (93.3%) and a perfect 35-for-35 on extra points.
-
He also excelled on kickoffs, showing a strong leg and overall consistency.
-
His performance in the USFL caught attention — and eventually led to interest from NFL teams.
NFL Breakthrough: Draft, Contract & Rise to Stardom
-
In 2023, Aubrey signed with Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent — marking the start of his NFL career.
-
His initial contract was a three-year deal worth US$ 2,695,000.
-
For the 2025 season, his base salary is US$ 1,030,000, plus a small workout bonus — a typical “minimum” contract for kickers.
-
Despite a modest contract, his performance has been anything but ordinary. As of 2025, Aubrey has made 100 field goals out of 110 attempts, and converted 116 extra points out of 120 attempts. His longest field goal stands at 65 yards.
-
In 2023 and 2024, he earned honors: First-team All-Pro (2023), Second-team All-Pro (2024), and twice selected to the Pro Bowl.
-
His ability to hit long-distance field goals (50+ yards) consistently, combined with reliability on extra points, quickly made him one of the league’s elite kickers.
Given his trajectory, some analysts expect him to become the highest-paid kicker in NFL history — with a future contract potentially worth US$ 28–30 million over several years.
Fantasy Football Value & Points: Why Aubrey Matters
Though Aubrey once played in MLS, his fantasy value today is tied to his success as an NFL kicker. Here’s how he stacks up:
-
In 2024, he accumulated 192 PPR fantasy points, averaging about 11.3 points per game.
-
For the 2025 season, stats suggest he’s on pace for exceptional output: as of mid-season, he was 22-for-24 on field goal attempts and 37-for-38 on extra point tries.
-
Analysts note his fantasy value “remains elevated for as long as the Cowboys’ offense keeps humming.”
-
Among fantasy players — especially those in superflex or kicker-heavy formats — he’s become a reliable starter. As noted by a user on a fantasy football forum:
“Brandon Aubrey is averaging 13.7 fantasy points per game. In half-PPR: If he was an RB, that’d put him between Bijan Robinson and Tony Pollard.”
His combination of long-range kicking, consistency, and volume of attempts makes him more than just a “plug-and-play” kicker — for many leagues, he’s among the top options at the position.
The MLS Part of the Journey — And Why It Still Matters
While most of the spotlight is on Aubrey’s NFL career, his MLS period is worth acknowledging:
-
Being drafted 21st overall in 2017 by Toronto FC indicates he was once among the highly rated soccer prospects.
-
The shift from soccer to American football is not common — and it shows versatility, athletic adaptability, and mental grit. For many fans and analysts, this background adds a layer of admiration for Aubrey’s ascent.
-
His story serves as an inspiration to athletes considering cross-sport transitions; success doesn’t always follow a straight path, and reinvention can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
What Does He “Make”? — Earnings & Market Value
-
In MLS (2017), his salary was modest. Some sources mention roughly US$ 65,000 (though figures vary, this aligns with reports for that era).
-
As of 2025 in the NFL, his base salary is US$ 1,030,000, plus bonuses — far above his MLS pay.
-
His total NFL contract (2023–2025) was US$ 2,695,000.
-
Experts expect his next contract to be significantly larger, potentially making him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history — perhaps in the range of US$ 7 million per year, or a total of US$ 28–30 million over four years.
-
According to media estimates, his net worth in 2025 is around US$ 2 million, reflecting both his playing earnings and growing market value.
In short: what started as a modest MLS salary has turned into a lucrative NFL career — with huge upside yet to come.
What Makes Brandon Aubrey Special: Skills & Traits
Several key traits help explain why Aubrey has seen rapid rise and strong fantasy value:
-
Leg strength & range: He has made multiple field goals of 50+ yards, with a career-long of 65 yards.
-
Accuracy & reliability: His field-goal and extra-point percentages remain high — critical for fantasy value and team success.
-
Consistency and volume: Because he’s often called upon for multiple attempts per game, he racks up points regularly.
-
Clutch performance: He’s already delivered game-winning kicks, including late field goals under pressure.
-
Underdog / comeback story: His transition from soccer (MLS) to American football (USFL → NFL) shows adaptability and hunger — traits that resonate both with fans and fantasy managers.
What the Future Might Hold
Given his current trajectory, several developments seem likely:
-
A major contract extension with Dallas — one that could make him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history.
-
Continued high fantasy value, especially as long as the Cowboys’ offense stays potent and he continues to get ample opportunities.
-
More long-distance field goals, perhaps even pushing toward 70 yards in practice or games (as hinted by coaches).
-
Potential endorsements and off-field earnings — his background, rise story, and performance make him a compelling personality, which could boost his net worth further over time.
FAQs
Q: Did Brandon Aubrey ever play in MLS?
A: Yes. He was drafted 21st overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC, and played at least with Toronto FC II (USL).
Q: How much does Brandon Aubrey make now (2025)?
A: For the 2025 NFL season, his base salary is around US$ 1,030,000 (plus a small workout bonus).
Q: What was his MLS salary compared to NFL?
A: Early reports cite his MLS salary around US$ 65,000 during his 2017 stint — a stark contrast to his current NFL earnings.
Q: What are his fantasy stats like?
A: In 2024, he earned 192 PPR fantasy points (≈ 11.3 points per game). As of 2025, he remains highly accurate with strong field goal and extra point conversion rates.
Q: Could he become the highest-paid kicker in NFL history?
A: Many analysts expect so. Based on his performance, a future contract worth US$ 28–30 million over four years (≈ US$ 7 million per year) is being discussed.
Conclusion
Brandon Aubrey’s journey — from the MLS Draft to NFL stardom — is nothing short of remarkable. What began as a modest soccer career has transformed into one of the most promising — and high-value — kicking careers in American football. His fantasy value, coupled with his skill set and potential future earnings, make him a standout both on the field and on fantasy rosters. Whether you respect him for his underdog story, admire his leg strength, or simply see him as a reliable fantasy asset — Aubrey is a name worth following.
Leave a Reply