Balancing the Scales: Brandon Aubrey's Jury Duty and NFL Commitments
In a unique orchestration of professional duty and sportsmanship, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey found himself at a rare intersection of life and career. Aubrey, juggling commitments as an NFL player and a citizen, served as a juror in a high-profile domestic violence trial in Tarrant County. The trial, involving Daniel Rincones, spanned from October 22 to October 30, 2023, concluding with a hefty 65-year sentence for Rincones. Aubrey's experience in court reflected a genuine citizen's duty, yet it also intricately tied into his ongoing journey in the NFL.
Aubrey's presence on the jury was not without complication. He initially attempted to reschedule his jury duty, a common practice among busy professionals, but his request was declined due to a prior postponement. As someone closely linked to the legal field—his sister-in-law serves as a district attorney and his brother practices law—Aubrey understood all too well the importance of civic responsibility. Despite this legal backdrop, Aubrey ensured that his commitment to the Cowboys remained steadfast.
The timing of the trial was somewhat fortuitous, coinciding with the Cowboys’ Week 7 bye. This brief respite in the NFL schedule allowed Aubrey to navigate his dual responsibilities more effectively. "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 explained, highlighting the logistical challenges he faced. Yet, his dedication to his team was unwavering. He balanced court appearances by day and practice sessions by night, traveling directly from civic duty to team duty.
On the field, Aubrey continued to showcase his talents. In a game against the San Francisco 49ers, he successfully executed all three extra points and a crucial 29-yard field goal, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable kicker. His performance this season has been stellar, completing 18 out of 20 field goal attempts. A standout statistic is his success with field goals from beyond 50 yards, making nine such achievements and positioning him second in the NFL for that category this season. Since entering the league, he has accumulated an impressive total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more.
The Cowboys' special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, was quick to acknowledge Aubrey's dedication both on and off the field. "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 commented, recognizing the effort Aubrey put into managing his commitments effectively.
Despite the whirlwind of activity, Aubrey remained modest about his role in the courtroom and his performance on the 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, illustrating his grounded approach amid circumstances that might have encouraged a lesser person to seek special treatment.
Aubrey's story, a testament to the balance of civic and professional duty, adds a fascinating chapter to the often intense life of a professional athlete. While his skills on the field continue to contribute to the Cowboys’ success, his participation in the judicial process underscores the multifaceted responsibilities public figures can shoulder. For fans and peers alike, Aubrey's commitment serves as an inspiring example of how dedicated individuals can seamlessly integrate different aspects of their lives to fulfill duties both meaningful and profound.