On January 7, 2025, in a rare and unexpected incident, Brandon Aubrey, the kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, found himself in the midst of an unfortunate event that garnered significant attention. Aubrey, who had been steadily performing for the Cowboys, inadvertently struck one of the team’s cheerleaders, leading him to publicly apologize in a heartfelt letter. The incident occurred during a high-stakes game, a moment that was meant to be filled with tension, excitement, and strategic plays, but instead saw an accidental collision that would leave both the cheerleader and Aubrey shaken. The story, however, reveals more than just the details of the accident; it highlights themes of sportsmanship, accountability, and care for one another in the high-energy, fast-paced world of professional sports.
The Incident
It was during the third quarter of the Cowboys’ playoff game that the incident occurred. Aubrey had just kicked off following a touchdown, one of the most routine and well-practiced plays in football. As he prepared for the next phase of the game, the cheerleaders were performing their usual high-energy routines on the sidelines. However, an errant football, kicked with considerable force, veered off course and struck one of the cheerleaders in the head.
The moment was captured by cameras, and instantly, viewers across the country saw the cheerleader, who appeared stunned, clutching her head. The medical staff rushed to her side, and for a few tense minutes, there was a great deal of concern over the severity of the injury. The cheerleader, whose name was later revealed as Riley Bennett, was eventually escorted off the field for further evaluation. Fortunately, it was later determined that she did not suffer any long-term injury, but the emotional toll on both her and Aubrey was considerable.
As a professional athlete, Aubrey was trained to deal with high-pressure moments and intense physical challenges. But this was a completely different kind of pressure. He had not intended to harm anyone, let alone a teammate of the Cowboys’ organization. In the wake of the incident, Aubrey was not only concerned for Bennett’s well-being, but also for how the situation might affect her, the cheerleading team, and the fanbase that followed both the football team and the cheerleading squad.
A Letter of Apology
Soon after the game concluded, Brandon Aubrey took to social media to offer a personal message of apology to Riley Bennett. However, he also decided to extend his apology through a more formal and private medium: a heartfelt letter, which he later shared publicly, to further emphasize his sincerity.
Brandon Aubrey’s Letter to Riley Bennett:
“Dear Riley,
I want to start by offering you my deepest apologies for what happened on the field yesterday. When I kicked the ball, I never intended for it to hit anyone, and especially not you. As soon as I saw you go down, I was filled with immediate concern, and I’ve been thinking about you constantly since then.
I understand that as a player in this league, I am in a position of responsibility, not just to my teammates but to everyone involved with the Cowboys organization. We are all part of this family, and when something like this happens, it’s a stark reminder that we all need to look out for one another, no matter what role we play.
While I was relieved to hear that you didn’t suffer any major injuries, I can only imagine the shock and discomfort you must have felt in that moment. Please know that my thoughts were with you immediately, and I’m incredibly grateful to the medical staff for their quick response in making sure you received the care you needed.
I have always tried to approach this game with a sense of respect and sportsmanship, not only toward my opponents but to all the members of the Cowboys organization. Yesterday’s incident was a humbling reminder of how important it is to be aware of the unpredictable nature of this game, and the consequences that can arise from even the most routine plays.
I hope that we can both move past this event and continue to focus on what we each love doing—whether that’s football for me, or cheering for you. I’m looking forward to seeing you back out there supporting the team, and I will continue to do everything I can to be the best teammate I can be, both on and off the field.
Thank you for your understanding, and once again, I apologize for the incident. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything from me, and know that I’m wishing you nothing but the best.
Sincerely,
Brandon Aubrey
Dallas Cowboys Kicker”
The Impact of the Apology
Brandon Aubrey’s decision to write a public apology reflected his maturity and sense of responsibility. In sports, emotions often run high, and physical mistakes can have far-reaching effects. Whether it’s an athlete accidentally injuring an opponent or, in this case, a cheerleader, the response can often define an athlete’s character.
Aubrey’s words resonated with fans and members of the Cowboys organization alike, as it demonstrated a level of accountability and thoughtfulness that went beyond his usual role as a kicker. His words were not simply an apology for a physical mistake but an acknowledgment of the emotional impact that such a moment can have on others.
Riley Bennett, who had received a number of messages from concerned fans, teammates, and fellow cheerleaders, responded graciously to Aubrey’s letter. While she had initially been caught off guard by the hit, she appreciated Aubrey’s thoughtfulness and his willingness to take responsibility for the incident.
“I know that Brandon never meant for this to happen, and I’m just grateful that he reached out to me in such a kind and genuine way,” Bennett said. “It was a freak accident, and I’m just glad to be okay. It meant a lot to me to hear from him, and I’m looking forward to continuing to support the team in the future.”
This exchange between Aubrey and Bennett highlighted the bond between athletes and their support teams. Even though they were in different roles—one a player, the other a cheerleader—both were integral to the team’s spirit, morale, and success. The apology underscored that sports, at their core, are not just about competition but also about human connection and responsibility toward one another.
Lessons from the Incident
While this incident was minor in terms of physical injury, the emotional and social implications were significant. It served as a reminder of how unpredictable sports can be and how a single play can reverberate through a team, the media, and its fanbase. For Aubrey, the event reinforced the idea that sportsmanship extends beyond the playing field. As a kicker, he was responsible for both his actions on the field and how they could affect others, not just during the game but afterward as well.
The Cowboys organization, in its response to the incident, commended both Aubrey and Bennett for their professionalism. The medical staff and team leadership also worked swiftly to ensure that Bennett was evaluated properly and cleared to return to cheerleading duties. The support and care demonstrated by the team members further illustrated that, even in high-stakes situations, it is the human connections and the mutual support that make sports truly meaningful.
For the fans, the incident provided a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy in sports. Whether you are watching a game in the stands or from the comfort of your home, it’s easy to forget that the athletes and support teams are people too. The situation reminded everyone that these individuals are connected in ways that go beyond the scoreboard, and their well-being matters just as much as their athletic performance.
