Balancing the Scales: Brandon Aubrey's Commitment to Jury Duty and NFL Excellence
Brandon Aubrey, an adept kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, recently demonstrated not only his skill on the field but also his civic responsibility off it. Serving as a juror in a domestic violence trial in Tarrant County from October 22 to October 30, 2023, Aubrey managed to balance legal duties with his NFL commitments—a testament to his dedication both as a citizen and a professional athlete.
The trial, involving Daniel Rincones, was a serious affair, culminating in Rincones' conviction and a 65-year sentence. Aubrey, despite seeking to reschedule his jury duty, was required to serve after a previous postponement was not extended. "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," Aubrey admitted, reflecting a humble approach to his civic responsibilities even under the public eye.
Aubrey's sense of duty is perhaps unsurprising given his family's background in the legal sphere, with a sister-in-law serving as a district attorney and a brother practicing as a lawyer. "I have a DA sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey shared, acknowledging the familial ties that might have informed his understanding of legal processes and civic duty. Nonetheless, balancing the demands of a courtroom with NFL training is not a commonplace challenge for most players.
Navigating Dual Roles
The Cowboys’ bye week in Week 7 coincided fortuitously with the trial dates, allowing Aubrey to fulfill his jury duty without missing a game. "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 recounted, painting a picture of his daily routine during the week that would test his time management significantly.
Despite the demanding schedule, Aubrey continued his commitment to the Cowboys, executing all three extra points and nailing a crucial 29-yard field goal in a clash against the San Francisco 49ers shortly after his jury duties concluded. His performance on the field in this match and throughout the season speaks volumes about his focus and skill. With 18 out of 20 field goal attempts successfully completed this season and nine field goals from beyond 50 yards, Aubrey stands second in the NFL for this long-distance accuracy.
Recognizing Relentless Dedication
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, expressed his admiration for Aubrey’s ability to juggle these dual roles. "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 stated, emphasizing the extra effort and respect Aubrey commanded in meeting his commitments both on and off the field.
It is Aubrey’s perseverance that has allowed him to rack up a total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more since entering the NFL—a notable statistic highlighting his steady hand even under pressure. This season, his long-range successes affirm his position as a crucial element of the Cowboys' special teams unit.
Brandon Aubrey's narrative over this period offers a compelling glimpse into his character—demonstrating how the intersection of civic responsibility and athletic rigor can coalesce to showcase a professional thriving under unique pressures. The synergy of his dual commitments not only underscores his abilities as a player but also as a dedicated community member. As he continues to excel, both his coaches and fans can appreciate the larger context of his contributions this season.