In an unusual collision of the legal and athletic worlds, Brandon Aubrey, the talented kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, recently found himself balancing dual roles: NFL player and juror. Aubrey's commitment to both his team and civic duty exemplifies a rare mix of dedication and skill both on and off the field.
From Courtroom to Gridiron
While it isn't unheard of for athletes to be called for jury duty, serving during a season is rare enough. From October 22 to October 30, 2023, Aubrey was embedded in a domestic violence trial in Tarrant County. Daniel Rincones, the defendant, was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 65 years. Despite his NFL commitments, Aubrey was unable to reschedule his jury duty after previously postponing it—highlighting a commitment to his responsibilities as a citizen of Texas.
The experience was intense, with Aubrey describing his days as starting “nine to five in downtown Fort Worth in the court.” Reflecting on the experience, he explained the logistics: "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]."
NFL Duties During a Bye Week
Fortunately, the timing of the trial coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye. This unexpected availability provided Aubrey a narrow window to fulfill both roles—serving the justice system while still attending crucial practice sessions with the Cowboys. John "Bones" Fassel, the team's special teams coordinator, respected Aubrey’s efforts, noting, "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."
Despite the demanding schedule, Aubrey's performance didn't falter. In a key game against the San Francisco 49ers, he successfully executed all three extra points and a crucial 29-yard field goal, solidifying his reputation as a capable and reliable player.
A Season of Remarkable Consistency
The season has been a significant one for Aubrey. Not only has he successfully completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts, but he has also shown remarkable prowess with his nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, placing him second in the NFL for that category this season. Since entering the league, Aubrey has achieved a total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more—a testament to his skill and consistency.
Such feats haven't gone unnoticed. Aubrey's ability to maintain performance levels while dealing with outside distractions speaks volumes about his character and work ethic. It's a balancing act that few can manage, especially under the scrutiny that comes with being a professional athlete.
Rooted in Legal Ties
Aubrey's leanings towards the justice system might be more than coincidental. With his brother pursuing a legal career and a sister-in-law serving as a district attorney, Aubrey is no stranger to the workings of the law. In his words, "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," hinting at perhaps a genetic predisposition to serving justice.
Despite the challenges faced, Aubrey remains humble, understanding the gravity of the court proceedings and the responsibilities bestowed upon him. He reflected on his part, saying, "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." This humility and steadfastness have only endeared him further to both his teammates and fans.
Aubrey's journey from the courtroom to the gridiron is a story of perseverance and dedication. It exemplifies how professional athletes must sometimes juggle ordinary responsibilities alongside their extraordinary talents. For Brandon Aubrey, his recent experiences have only underlined the commitment needed not only to excel in sports but also to be a good citizen. As his season continues, fans and observers alike will undoubtedly keep an eye on this remarkable player who has already proven his reliability both on and off the field.