A Journey from Courtroom to Field: Brandon Aubrey Balances Jury Duty with NFL Career
Brandon Aubrey is not your typical NFL kicker. While most professional athletes focused solely on their game during the last week of October 2023, Aubrey found himself tackling an unusual dual role: serving as a juror in a Tarrant County domestic violence trial and excelling on the football field. The Dallas Cowboys' kicker demonstrated true dedication and versatility as he seamlessly juggled the demands of both commitments.
The Trials of Jury Duty
Aubrey's jury duty coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, allowing him some leeway to attend court sessions. However, the trial of Daniel Rincones, convicted and sentenced to 65 years, occupied Aubrey’s time from October 22 to October 30. Initially attempting to reschedule his duties, Aubrey was denied after an earlier postponement. The juror-athlete found himself committed to a nine-to-five schedule in downtown Fort Worth, followed by a grueling hour-and-a-half drive to practicing with his team in Frisco. As Aubrey describes, "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]."
Brandon’s ties to the legal world ran deeper than mere jury duty. His sister-in-law is a district attorney, and his brother practices law, offering a unique perspective and perhaps an understanding of Aubrey’s civic responsibilities. As Aubrey humbly observed, "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."
Strong Performances on the Field
Remarkably, this legal responsibility did not hinder Aubrey’s on-field performance. In fact, it seemed to have bolstered his resolve. Over the course of the current season, Aubrey has completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts, placing him amongst the top kickers in the league. He successfully executed all three extra points and a game-critical 29-yard field goal against the formidable San Francisco 49ers. His prowess in long-distance kicking is particularly noteworthy, with Aubrey having made nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, securing him the second spot in this category for the season. Since entering the NFL, Aubrey has amassed 19 successful field goals of 50 yards or more.
Special Teams Coordinator John "Bones" Fassel expressed admiration for Aubrey’s commitment to his duties off and on 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," noted Fassel, highlighting Aubrey’s effectiveness despite juggling two demanding roles.
Balancing Commitment and Excellence
Aubrey’s ability to strike a balance between his civic duty and professional commitments serves as a testament to his character and work ethic. His story goes beyond impressive field statistics; it embodies dedication and humility, traits that resonate in both the courtroom and on the gridiron. Aubrey’s dual role also showcases the multifaceted lives of professional athletes, illustrating that their contributions extend beyond explosive plays on game days.
His performance during this period is not merely a footnote in a season or a career; it symbolizes the intersection of everyday civic duty and professional excellence. Brandon Aubrey’s journey through the week of October is a narrative of dedication—a rare display of steadfastness in a world that often demands singular focus.