A Juror on the Field and in the Court: Brandon Aubrey's Remarkable Week
In the high-stakes world of professional sports, the focus often remains solely on performance. Yet, for Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, recent weeks have proven that his life extends beyond the gridiron. As a juror in a domestic violence trial, Aubrey balanced his responsibilities in the courtroom with the pressures of NFL performance, demonstrating dedication both to his team and to civic duty.
In Tarrant County, Brandon Aubrey was part of the jury tasked with assessing the case involving Daniel Rincones, ultimately convicting him on a charge serious enough to warrant a 65-year sentence. This trial, running from October 22 to October 30, 2023, was not just another civic obligation for Aubrey. It coincided with a particularly challenging schedule, falling precisely during the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, a crucial period typically focused on rest and adjustment.
Despite the rigors of the courtroom – from nine to five in Fort Worth – Aubrey maintained his commitment to his NFL responsibilities. “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 of his grueling schedule, capturing the essence of his extraordinary effort to meet the demands of both roles.
Balancing such unique commitments wasn’t without its challenges. Aubrey initially attempted to reschedule his jury duty, but after having already postponed once, his request was denied. Reflecting on the situation, Aubrey acknowledged, "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."
Fulfilling these dual roles might seem daunting for most, but Aubrey's resolve never wavered – perhaps a testament to his family’s strong ties to the legal field, with a sister-in-law serving as a district attorney and a brother who practices law. However, his responsibilities extended beyond familial influence, touching the lives of teammates and coaches alike.
Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, was acutely aware of Aubrey’s unique situation. “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 remarked, highlighting Aubrey’s determination to keep his focus on both fronts.
On the field, Aubrey’s prowess as a kicker has been undeniable. He currently boasts a 90% field goal completion rate this season – successfully scoring on 18 of 20 attempts. His remarkable ability to convert from long distance has also been a critical asset for the Cowboys, with nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards placing him second in the current NFL standings for this category. Since entering the NFL, Aubrey’s achieved an impressive 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, marking him as one of the league's premier long-distance specialists.
One particularly high-stakes moment came in a recent clash against the formidable San Francisco 49ers. Aubrey executed all three extra points and nailed a crucial 29-yard field goal, anchoring his importance to the Cowboys' playoff ambitions. It’s performances like these, set against the backdrop of his judicial responsibilities, that underscore Aubrey’s uncommon resilience and commitment to his many roles.
Brandon Aubrey's dual dedication to his NFL team and his civic duty makes him not just an exemplary athlete but a profound testament to the broader commitments professional athletes can undertake. His story is a vivid reminder that the roles we play in life, be they on the field or in the courtroom, are boundless by effort and dedication.