Brandon Aubrey Balances Jury Duty and NFL Commitments
In a rare convergence of civic duty and professional obligation, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey spent the last week of October juggling his responsibilities as an NFL player and a juror in a domestic violence trial. The trial, which centered around the case of Daniel Rincones, took place in Tarrant County and resulted in a 65-year sentence after Rincones was convicted. Aubrey's involvement in the trial adds an unexpected chapter to his NFL career, marked already by impressive performances on the field this season.
For Aubrey, the week was a balancing act that tested his commitment to both his roles. With family ties to the legal world—a sister-in-law who serves as a district attorney and a brother who is a lawyer—Aubrey is no stranger to the demands of the legal system. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey mentioned, perhaps indicative of the blend of familiarity and duty that guided him through this unique situation.
The Long Commute
The trial, which ran from October 22 to October 30, coincided conveniently, or rather inconveniently, with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, offering a brief respite from the gridiron. Yet, his journey was far from leisurely. "It was nine to five in downtown Fort Worth in the court. Hop on the highway after and race down here [to The Star in Frisco]. It's about an hour and a half to get here [in rush hour]," Aubrey described, painting a vivid picture of his daily odyssey. Balancing the starkly different environments of a court trial and an NFL practice field, Aubrey managed to continue his training regimen with the resolve befitting an elite athlete.
Despite requesting to reschedule his jury duty—a request that was denied following an earlier postponement—Aubrey maintained his commitment to his responsibilities, demonstrating a respect for civic duty that resonated beyond the football field. "I could have been more assertive and at that point, everyone knows who I am there, and I don't want to sound like I think I'm better than anyone else or that I'm above the job," he reflected, reinforcing the humility and professionalism that guide his approach.
Excellence on the Field
Aubrey’s dual commitments didn't hinder his performance as he continued to excel as the Cowboys' kicker. In a game against the San Francisco 49ers, he delivered under pressure, executing all three extra points and a crucial 29-yard field goal, displays of precision that have become his hallmark. Thus far this season, Aubrey has completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts, an impressive statistic that underlines his consistent reliability.
What sets Aubrey apart is his exceptional ability to deliver from long range. He has successfully kicked nine field goals from beyond 50 yards, a feat placing him second in the NFL for that category this season. His career has already tallied 19 field goals from 50 yards or more since entering the league, underscoring his unique blend of power and accuracy—traits that render him a formidable asset in the Cowboys' arsenal.
This commendable display of balancing his unscheduled civic duties with professional excellence did not go unnoticed by the Cowboys’ coaching staff. John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, acknowledged Aubrey's capabilities and his determined navigation of the week’s unusual circumstances. "We got our work done Wednesday and Thursday. Doing what we had to do and much respect for him knowing what he had to do," Fassel noted, highlighting Aubrey’s unflinching focus and dedication.
A Testament to Professionalism
Brandon Aubrey’s story over this particular week is more than a tale of logistics and time management; it is a testament to a professional navigating his responsibilities with respect and excellence. His journey from a courtroom in Tarrant County to the practice fields of Frisco embodies the resilience and adaptability of today’s athlete. While the convergence of these roles may have presented unique challenges, Aubrey’s proven ability to tackle them head-on—on and off the field—ensures his continued impact as a key player for the Cowboys this season.