The Dallas Cowboys’ season finale against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, January 7, 2024, was marked by an unfortunate incident involving kicker Brandon Aubrey and cheerleader Michelle Siemienowski. During the first half of the game, Aubrey’s errant kickoff sailed out of bounds, striking Siemienowski in the back of the head despite the efforts of a cameraman to deflect the ball. The incident, which occurred near the 10-yard line at AT&T Stadium, briefly knocked Siemienowski to the ground, but she quickly recovered and was attended to by her fellow cheerleaders. The broadcast captured the moment, showing Siemienowski smiling shortly after the impact, suggesting that she hadn’t suffered any serious injury.
The following day, Siemienowski took to social media to reassure concerned fans and express her gratitude for their well wishes. Via her Instagram Stories, she confirmed her well-being, stating, “I am all okay, so no need to worry.” She also shared a handwritten apology note from Aubrey, revealing that the kicker had attempted to locate her on the field after the incident. Unable to find her amidst the ongoing game activities, Aubrey opted to write the note instead. Siemienowski expressed appreciation for Aubrey’s gesture, calling the note a “souvenir” from her rookie season’s final game.
Aubrey’s note, shared by Siemienowski on her Instagram story, read, “Michelle, so sorry about hitting you on (kickoff)! Hope you are doing well! Love watching y’all!” The brief message conveyed his remorse and concern for her well-being, further emphasizing the unintentional nature of the incident. Siemienowski’s public sharing of the note and her lighthearted response, including the term “souvenir,” indicated that she harbored no ill will towards Aubrey.
This incident, while unfortunate, ultimately served as a small footnote to a record-breaking season for Aubrey. Despite the Cowboys’ loss to the Commanders and the mishap on the field, Aubrey achieved a significant milestone, kicking 40 field goals throughout the season. This achievement placed him among an elite group of NFL kickers, becoming only the fifth in history to reach this impressive mark. His consistent performance throughout the season solidifies his place as a valuable asset to the Cowboys’ special teams unit.
The incident underscores the inherent risks present even on the sidelines of professional football games. While the focus often remains on the players engaged in the on-field action, the sidelines are also occupied by various personnel, including cheerleaders, coaches, and media, who are susceptible to unintended consequences of the game. Siemienowski’s experience serves as a reminder of the potential for unforeseen events and the importance of safety protocols for everyone present at sporting events.
The swift and positive resolution to this incident, characterized by Aubrey’s immediate apology and Siemienowski’s gracious acceptance, highlights the importance of communication and understanding in such situations. Siemienowski’s public response, sharing both the incident and the apology, transformed a potentially negative experience into a lighthearted anecdote, demonstrating her professionalism and positive attitude. This incident, while initially concerning, ultimately ended with a display of sportsmanship and mutual respect between the kicker and the cheerleader.
