Arlington, TX â June 20, 2025 â In a heartfelt move that has touched fans across Cowboys Nation, Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey took to social media with an emotional, career-defining statementâand the response he received from offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer might just change everything about his future with the team.
After swirling rumors about roster shakeups and cap-tight decision-making, Aubrey broke his silence with courage and vulnerability, declaring his intention to sacrifice salary and fight for his place on the team:
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âIâll take a pay cut. Iâll prove Iâm healthy. Let me stay and contribute.â
But it was Schottenheimerâs quiet yet powerful five-word message that sent the NFL world into a frenzy:
âYou earned this. Stay locked in.â
đ A Specialistâs Fight to Stay
Once a soccer player and a longshot NFL prospect, Brandon Aubrey defied the odds and became one of the most consistent kickers in the league last season. But an untimely injury and increased competition in training camp put his spot in jeopardy.
Instead of lashing out or going silent, Aubrey opened up to fans, posting his statement late Wednesday night along with a photo of his Cowboys helmet and cleats, laid neatly at the edge of the practice field.

âEvery kick, every rep, Iâve poured everything into this star,â Aubrey wrote.
âIâm not asking for comfort. Iâm asking for a chance.â
đ§ Â Coach Schottenheimerâs Response Goes Viral
The following morning, as Cowboys social media and local media outlets lit up in reaction, Coach Brian Schottenheimer issued a simple but deeply telling responseâone that fans and analysts are calling âthe defining moment of the offseason.â
âYou earned this. Stay locked in.â
Sources inside the organization confirm that Schottenheimer had been quietly lobbying to retain Aubrey despite front office hesitation. His public show of support may signal that Aubrey is firmly in the teamâs plans, especially as Dallas enters a pivotal season with championship aspirations.
âBrandonâs not just a kicker,â Schottenheimer later told reporters.
âHeâs a competitor, a teammate, and a leader. Heâs earned our respect.â
đŹÂ NFL World Reacts: âThis Is Bigger Than Footballâ
Players, fans, and analysts from across the NFL voiced overwhelming support for Aubreyâs humility and dedication:
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@PatMcAfeeShow:Â âAubrey just redefined what it means to want it. Respect.â
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@MicahParsons11:Â âYou my dog for life. Letâs ride.â
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@JaneSlater (NFL Network):Â âThis is the kind of player coaches dream of. Honest, humble, hungry.â
The hashtag #KeepAubrey began trending in the Dallas-Fort Worth area within minutes, with fans flooding comment sections with messages like:
âThatâs OUR kicker.â
âLet him finish what he started.â
âHeart > headlines.â
đ°Â Financial Restructure on the Table?
Insiders suggest the Cowboys front office is exploring a restructured contract for Aubrey, likely converting part of his salary into performance-based incentives to ease the cap hit.
With growing concerns about special teams depth across the league, letting go of a reliable leg like Aubreyâs could be a risk the Cowboys donât want to takeâespecially after his 94% field goal accuracy and perfect extra point record in 2023.
âThereâs more to football than just yards and touchdowns,â said Cowboys legend Troy Aikman.
âSometimes itâs the guys with quiet confidence who hold the whole thing together.â
đźÂ The Road Ahead
Aubrey is expected to report to training camp in Oxnard with the rest of the team in July, and all eyes will be on how the front office follows up Schottenheimerâs public endorsement.
âWhatever happens next,â Aubrey said in a follow-up, âIâm walking into that locker room with my head high. This team gave me a shot once. Iâm ready to earn it again.â