Balancing Act: Brandon Aubrey’s Unique Week of Jury Duty and NFL Commitment
In a profession where focus and mental precision are paramount, Brandon Aubrey, placekicker for the Dallas Cowboys, found himself in an unusual juggling act that combined the responsibilities of jury duty with his commitments to the NFL. His experience not only highlights the unpredictable nature of professional athletes' lives but also his unwavering dedication to his team and civic duty.
Aubrey served as a juror in a domestic violence trial involving Daniel Rincones in Tarrant County. The trial ran from October 22 to October 30, 2023, during which Rincones was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 65 years. This responsibility coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, fortuitously providing Aubrey with some breathing room during a particularly demanding week.
The idea of jury duty might seem like a mundane obligation to many, but for Aubrey, it presented an unexpected challenge. Initially, Aubrey attempted to reschedule his jury service but was thwarted by prior postponements. As he described, “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].” The daily grind of maintaining his duties in the courtroom during the day and hitting the practice field in the evening paints a vivid picture of a professional trying to manage two demanding commitments simultaneously.
Aubrey isn’t new to the legal world. He has familial ties that run deep within the judicial system. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," he shared. These connections perhaps provided him with unique insights, enabling him to understand the courtroom complexities more intimately than most would.
Beyond fulfilling his civic duty, Aubrey made sure not to let his NFL performance wane. During practice, his focus on sharpening his skills remained steadfast. John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys' special teams coordinator, acknowledged Aubrey's dual commitments with admiration, stating, "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."
The duel of commitments didn't detract from Aubrey’s on-field performance. During a game against the San Francisco 49ers, he delivered with precision, successfully executing all three extra points alongside a crucial 29-yard field goal. This mirrored his broader season performance in which he successfully completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts. Significantly, Aubrey has been outstanding in long-range kicks, having completed nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, a feat placing him second in the NFL for this category during the season. Since entering the league, he has amassed a remarkable total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more.
Despite the impressive kick record, Aubrey demonstrated humility when discussing the personal challenge of balancing these demanding roles. "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. This introspection reveals a character tethered to community responsibilities, notwithstanding his professional prowess on the field.
In the high-pressure world of professional sports, Aubrey’s ability to navigate such a hectic schedule with poise speaks volumes about his character and professionalism. His story this year adds another layer to the often untold narrative of athletes managing group ventures beyond the games. Aubrey embraced this rare season with a blend of grit, grace, and humility, marking him as not only a key player for the Cowboys on Sundays but also a committed citizen off the field.