During the Dallas Cowboys’ season finale against the Washington Commanders, kicker Brandon Aubrey inadvertently struck cheerleader Michelle Siemienowski in the head with a misdirected kickoff. The incident occurred after Aubrey’s 34-yard field goal in the second quarter, when his subsequent kickoff veered off course, hitting Siemienowski and causing her to fall. She quickly recovered with assistance from fellow cheerleaders and Commanders punter Tress Way.
Siemienowski, a California native who joined the Cowboys’ cheerleading squad in July 2024, reassured fans of her well-being through Instagram, stating she was fine and expressing appreciation for the concern and kind messages. She humorously captioned her post with “cry now, laugh later,” reflecting her positive outlook despite the unexpected mishap.
In a heartfelt gesture, Aubrey penned a handwritten apology to Siemienowski, expressing remorse for the incident and complimenting her and the cheer team. Siemienowski shared the note on social media, expressing gratitude for Aubrey’s thoughtfulness and mentioning that she harbored no hard feelings. She considered the note a memorable keepsake from the last game of her rookie season.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Aubrey achieved a significant milestone during the game, becoming the fifth kicker in NFL history to make over 40 field goals in a single season. However, the Cowboys concluded their season with a 23-19 loss to the Commanders, finishing with a 7-10 record.
Siemienowski’s resilience and positive attitude have been widely praised, with fans and commentators acknowledging her professionalism in handling the situation. The incident, while unintended, highlighted the unpredictable nature of live sports events and the importance of safety measures for all participants, including cheerleaders who are integral to the game’s atmosphere.
The Cowboys’ season was marked by various challenges, and this incident seemed to encapsulate the team’s struggles. Head coach Mike McCarthy’s future with the team remains uncertain as his contract nears expiration, and owner Jerry Jones faces decisions regarding the direction of the franchise after unmet high expectations for a Super Bowl contention.
In the aftermath, both Aubrey and Siemienowski have demonstrated sportsmanship and mutual respect, turning an unfortunate event into a testament to their professionalism and dedication to their respective roles within the organization.
For a visual of the incident, you can watch the following video:
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