End of Era :Brandon Aubrey Says Good bye as he Confirms his last Season with The Detroit Lions announced his Date of departure as he is going to join the….
End of an Era: Brandon Aubrey Says Goodbye as He Confirms His Last Season with the Detroit Lions – Announces Date of Departure Ahead of New Chapter
In a heartfelt announcement that marks the end of a memorable chapter in professional football, Detroit Lions kicker Brandon Aubrey has officially confirmed that the 2025 NFL season will be his final year with the franchise. In a press conference held earlier this week, Aubrey revealed his intention to depart following the season, announcing that he will be transitioning to a new role — not in another football team, but in an unexpected and exciting direction: a coaching and player development position with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
This move, while surprising to some, feels like a full-circle moment for Aubrey, whose athletic career uniquely spans two sports at the highest levels. Before turning to professional football and becoming one of the league’s most accurate kickers, Aubrey had a promising soccer career. A former first-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC, Aubrey played in the United Soccer League before switching paths to pursue a future in the NFL.
A Meteoric Rise in Football
Brandon Aubrey joined the Detroit Lions in 2024 after an impressive stint with the Dallas Cowboys, where he gained national attention for his near-perfect field goal record during his rookie year. His strong leg, consistency, and unshakable focus quickly made him a fan favorite. Despite entering the NFL later than most — and without the traditional collegiate football background — Aubrey’s transition from soccer to football was nothing short of remarkable.
Now, with two seasons in Detroit, numerous game-winning kicks, and a Pro Bowl selection under his belt, Aubrey is bowing out on his own terms. “I’ve loved every moment with the Lions — the fans, the teammates, the coaches. This organization believed in me, and I’m proud of what we accomplished here,” Aubrey shared. “But it’s time to return to my first love: soccer — and to help shape the next generation of athletes in a meaningful way.”
A New Beginning with US Soccer
Starting in early 2026, Aubrey will begin working with the USSF as a technical coach and performance mentor for youth national teams. His role will focus on bridging the gap between mental performance and technical skills — drawing on his unique background in both professional football and soccer. The Federation has lauded his rare dual-sport experience as a major asset to their evolving player development philosophy.
“Brandon Aubrey embodies the kind of multidimensional mindset we want our players to learn from,” said a USSF spokesperson. “He understands pressure, discipline, and execution — not just in theory but in practice, at the highest level of two sports. That’s an invaluable resource.”
A Legacy in Detroit
Though his time in Detroit will come to an end, Aubrey’s impact on the locker room, the scoreboard, and the culture will be long remembered. As the Lions prepare for one more season with the reliable kicker, fans will have one last chance to cheer for No. 17 as he winds down his extraordinary NFL journey.
Aubrey is expected to retire from professional football at the conclusion of the 2025 season, with his final game likely in January 2026 — barring a deep playoff run. And if history is any guide, he’ll go out just like he came in: calm, precise, and totally unfazed.
