Brandon Aubrey Balances NFL Duties and Jury Service
Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys' talented kicker, recently showcased not only his skill on the field but also his commitment off it, as he balanced his NFL duties with unforeseen jury service. Aubrey served as a juror in a domestic violence trial involving Daniel Rincones in Tarrant County, spanning from October 22 to October 30, 2023. Despite the high-stakes nature of his professional commitments, Aubrey shouldered the responsibility of civic duty impressively.
The trial proved consequential, with Daniel Rincones ultimately convicted on one charge, receiving a sentence of 65 years. Aubrey initially attempted to reschedule his jury duty, having previously postponed once, but was unable to do so. His presence in the courtroom didn't deter him from keeping up with his responsibilities as the Cowboys’ kicker, a testament to his dedication and adaptability.
Aubrey is no stranger to the legal field, owing to his familial connections. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law and my brother's a lawyer," he shared. This background may have influenced his sense of responsibility towards fulfilling his civic obligations, something he seemed to navigate with both humility and perseverance. When discussing the logistics of balancing these duties, Aubrey noted, "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]."
Despite the cumbersome schedule, Aubrey didn't let his jury service impede his NFL activities. The trial serendipitously coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, providing him some respite in a typically relentless schedule. This allowed Aubrey to attend his practice sessions and maintain a high level of performance when the Cowboys took on the San Francisco 49ers.
Aubrey's prowess on the field is undisputed. He successfully executed all three extra points and a pivotal 29-yard field goal against the 49ers. His statistics this season are impressive: Aubrey has completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts, with nine successful kicks from beyond 50 yards, placing him second in the NFL for that category. His career tally includes 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, underscoring his reputation as a long-distance specialist.
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, acknowledged the unique situation, praising Aubrey for managing his dual commitments efficiently. "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 said. It was apparent that Aubrey had earned the respect of both his team and coaching staff with his professionalism and dedication on and off the field.
Aubrey himself seemed mindful of maintaining a balance, voicing his concerns about perception. "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 remarked. This statement highlights a character as grounded as it is driven, someone who respects the responsibilities that come with civic duty.
In an era where professional athletes are scrutinized not just for their athletic performance but for their personal actions and decisions, Brandon Aubrey stands out as a model of responsibility and humility. His ability to juggle his key role in the Cowboys’ lineup while shouldering the burden of jury duty speaks volumes about his character and professionalism. The dedication Aubrey displayed during this period exemplifies not only his commitment to his sport but also to the society he is part of, showing that even in the high-pressure world of professional sports, there's always room—and indeed, a need—for civic responsibility.