Introduction
Brandon Aubrey is one of the most intriguing athletic success stories of the 2020s — a former college soccer defender turned NFL kicker whose unlikely rise has captured widespread attention. From humble beginnings in Texas, he charted a winding path through college soccer, pro soccer, minor leagues and finally to the big stage in the NFL. In this article, we’ll explore where Aubrey comes from, his early life, high school and college journey, rise to fame, and why memes and GIFs featuring him are trending online.
Whether you’re a sports fan or just curious about underdog success stories, Aubrey’s journey is a compelling example of versatility, persistence and reinvention.
Early Life & Where He’s From
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Brandon Aubrey was born on March 14, 1995, in St. Louis, Missouri.
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However, he grew up and was raised in Plano, Texas, a suburb in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
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Plano turned out to set the stage for his athletic career: He attended Plano Senior High School, where he played soccer during his high-school years.
In the soccer-loving community of Texas, Aubrey was part of a broader soccer culture. Growing up there gave him exposure to elite youth soccer.
High School & Early Soccer Roots
At Plano Senior High School, Aubrey played high-school soccer, likely helping build his foundation in athleticism, coordination, and field awareness.
Beyond high school, he played youth club soccer for an elite academy: Dallas Texans USSDA team, which has historically produced top talent in U.S. youth soccer.
So from his early days, Aubrey was immersed in soccer — a sport he pursued through high school and beyond, before ever thinking about football (American).
College Years: From Plano to Notre Dame
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After high school, Aubrey accepted an offer to attend University of Notre Dame, where he studied Computer Science.
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At Notre Dame, he played for the men’s soccer team, serving as a defender across four seasons (2013–2016).
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His college career included notable honors:
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Named NSCAA Third Team All-American
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Selected First Team All-ACC and NSCAA First Team All-South Region.
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Recognized for academic excellence: Academic All-ACC, Scholar All-America status, reflecting his dual commitment to athletics and studies.
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Despite this strong college soccer résumé, Aubrey’s professional path after college would take unexpected turns.
Transition to Professional Soccer (Brief)
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In 2017, Aubrey was selected in the first round (21st overall) of the MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC.
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However, despite being drafted, he never made a first-team appearance for Toronto FC. Instead, Aubrey spent a short time on loan and eventually played in minor leagues before being released.
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Given the limited opportunities and likely uncertainty in soccer, Aubrey pivoted — setting the stage for an even more surprising transformation.
The brief professional soccer stint shows that Aubrey wasn’t afraid to follow his dreams — and also that sometimes, external circumstances open up new and unexpected paths.
Reinvention: Soccer Star → Kicker
Perhaps the most dramatic and unlikely turn in Aubrey’s career was the switch from soccer to American football — specifically, as a kicker. This transition began during a period when he was working on his computer-science degree and pondering life after soccer.
Interestingly, his kicking journey reportedly started in a modest, almost cinematic way: reminiscent of days when a younger Aubrey would casually boot balls during his school years — and those casual kicks eventually morphed into serious running of footballs through 60-yard field goals.
Aubrey’s unique athletic background — combination of soccer footwork and strong kicking — allowed him to develop into a reliable kicker with power and accuracy.
Professional Football Career: USFL → NFL
USFL Breakthrough
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In 2022, Aubrey attempted to restart his sporting career — this time as a kicker — by entering the United States Football League (USFL) draft, where he was selected by Birmingham Stallions.
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In his debut season (2022), he made 18 of 22 field-goal attempts (81.8%) and 22 of 24 extra-point attempts (91.7%), leading the league in both categories. He also had the most kickoffs (55) with a 66.5-yard average.
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His performance helped the Stallions win the 2022 USFL Championship. In 2023, he re-signed with the Stallions — made 14 of 15 field goals (93.3%) — and helped them claim another title.
Arrival in the NFL
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His success in USFL earned him interest from NFL teams. In July 2023, he signed with Dallas Cowboys.
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Since joining the Cowboys, Aubrey has stood out for his strong leg and consistency — traits likely honed during his soccer days plus years of dedicated kicking training.
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His story has been described by sports media as “one of the most unlikely journeys to the NFL” — from college soccer to MLS draft pick, to minor-league set-back, to USFL success, to NFL kicker.
Aubrey represents a rare breed of athlete: someone who refused to give up even when his career path diverged dramatically — and emerged successful on the biggest stage.
Meme & GIF Culture Around Brandon Aubrey
Part of what makes Aubrey’s story resonate beyond hardcore sports circles is the internet’s embrace of his unlikely journey. Social-media users have shared nostalgic and viral footage of him playing college soccer — often juxtaposed with his current role as NFL kicker — which has led to a number of memes and GIFs circulating.
These posts tend to highlight the contrast: a former college-soccer defender now nailing 60-yard field goals under pressure. The “from soccer to NFL kicker” arc has inspired fans who appreciate underdog stories, resilience, and unexpected comebacks.
As of 2025, with his rising prominence in the NFL, more meme-makers and GIF collectors are featuring Aubrey — ensuring his story spreads beyond sports feeds into general internet culture.
Why His Story Matters
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Cross-sport adaptability — Aubrey shows that skills from one sport (soccer) can transfer to another (American football), especially when combined with dedication.
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Persistence through setbacks — After his pro-soccer plans didn’t pan out, he didn’t quit. He reinvented himself, took risks, and found a new path.
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Relatable underdog journey — Many people face setbacks; Aubrey’s path offers hope that success can come through unexpected detours.
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Inspiring multidimensional identity — He’s not just an athlete; he studied Computer Science, and his academic background contributes to a well-rounded profile.
FAQs about Brandon Aubrey
Q: Where is Brandon Aubrey from?
A: He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but grew up in Plano, Texas.
Q: Which high school did he attend?
A: He attended Plano Senior High School in Texas, where he played soccer.
Q: What college did he go to and what did he study?
A: He studied Computer Science at the University of Notre Dame and played for the Notre Dame men’s soccer team from 2013 to 2016.
Q: Did he play professional soccer?
A: Yes — he was drafted in 2017 by Toronto FC in the MLS SuperDraft, but never made a first-team appearance. His professional soccer stint was brief.
Q: How did he end up in the NFL?
A: After his soccer career didn’t work out, he reinvented himself as a kicker, performed well in the USFL for the Birmingham Stallions, then signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.
Q: Why are there memes and GIFs of him online?
A: Because his narrative — ex-soccer player turned NFL kicker — is unusual and inspiring. People share clips of his college soccer days vs. his NFL success to highlight the dramatic transition.
Conclusion
Brandon Aubrey’s journey — from a soccer-loving teenager in Plano, Texas, to college defender at Notre Dame, to brief pro-soccer hopeful, and finally to NFL kicker — proves that sometimes the greatest success comes not from staying on a straight path, but from embracing change when life pushes you in another direction. His story stands as a tribute to resilience, adaptation and the power of reinventing one’s self.
Whether you’re a fan of soccer, American football, or simply stories of second chances, Aubrey’s rise is worth following — and likely, we’ll see more chapters in his career as he continues to make his mark in the NFL and internet culture alike.
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