A Balancing Act: Brandon Aubrey's Unique Journey Between Jury Duty and the Gridiron
Even in the high-stakes world of the NFL, life finds a way to remind players that they are part of the everyday tapestry, just like everyone else. For Brandon Aubrey, a placekicker for the Dallas Cowboys, those reminders recently came in the unexpected form of jury duty. Aubrey's commitment to both civic duty and his professional responsibilities has been nothing short of remarkable.
Serving Justice and Kicking Field Goals
Aubrey found himself as a juror in a Tarrant County domestic violence trial involving Daniel Rincones, which spanned from October 22 to October 30, 2023. Rincones was convicted and sentenced to 65 years, a testament to the gravity of the case and the jury's diligent work. Despite an initial attempt to reschedule his jury duty, Aubrey was called upon to serve after an earlier postponement. "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," shared Aubrey, reflecting a humility that underscores the mutual linkage of personal responsibility and professional duty.
The schedule was grueling. "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]," expressed Aubrey. Balancing such a schedule alongside NFL preparations, especially during a time of high demand as the Cowboys strategized during their Week 7 bye, speaks volumes about his dedication.
A Family Tied to the Law
Aubrey's connection to the legal profession extends beyond his temporary role as a juror. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey noted, which illustrates the familial influences that perhaps gave him a unique perspective during the trial. Nevertheless, his ethos of commitment remained strong, whether facing the challenge of a courtroom trial or standing under the glaring lights of an NFL field.
On the Field Performance
Aubrey's consistency didn't waver on the field, even as his civic duties weighed heavily on his schedule. During a crucial game against the San Francisco 49ers, Aubrey made a significant impact by successfully executing all three extra points and kicking a clutch 29-yard field goal. His performance was part of an exceptional season where he completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts. The kicker has also excelled in long-distance challenges, making nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards—placing him second in the NFL in that category this season. Further highlighting his prowess, the NFL records show that Aubrey has connected on a total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more since his league debut.
Praised for his ability to juggle these dual commitments, John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, acknowledged the work ethic Aubrey displayed throughout this period. "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 admirably stated. This sentiment mirrors the trust and respect that Aubrey has earned within the Cowboys' locker room.
Conclusion
Through the unique lens of Aubrey’s narrative, the intersection of a professional sporting career with the duties of citizenship emerges with clarity and inspiration. Amid travel commitments, intense practices, and courtroom hearings, Brandon Aubrey has maintained a steadfast devotion to his responsibilities both on and off the field. His journey serves as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted lives athletes lead and the compelling stories of perseverance they embody.