Brandon Aubrey Juggles Jury Duty and NFL Prowess
Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys' kicker, has been managing more than just a football this season. The recent weeks saw him under the intense spotlight of both a Tarrant County courtroom and a bustling NFL season, culminating in an extraordinary balancing act between civic duty and professional sports.
From October 22 to October 30, 2023, Aubrey served as a juror in a domestic violence trial involving Daniel Rincones. Rincones was ultimately convicted on one charge, receiving a 65-year sentence. Despite attempting to reschedule his jury duty after an earlier postponement attempt, Aubrey found himself committed to the trial without exceptions. "I could have been more assertive," Aubrey conceded, aware of the recognition he faced within the courtroom. "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."
The trial’s timing coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, fortuitously easing some scheduling conflicts for Aubrey. Yet, the demands of the courthouse and the gridiron did not relent. His days were absorbed by the trial, stretching from nine to five in downtown Fort Worth. "Hop on the highway after and race down here [to The Star in Frisco],” he recounted. “It's about an hour and a half to get here [in rush hour]."
An NFL life and a civic life would collide, yet Aubrey's performance on the field remained unblemished. The Cowboys' special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, praised Aubrey's handling of dual responsibilities. "We got our work done Wednesday and Thursday,” Fassel remarked, acknowledging Aubrey's dedication. “Doing what we had to do and much respect for him knowing what he had to do."
A Kicking Career Defined by Precision
Even amid these challenges, Aubrey's on-field record speaks volumes. So far this season, he has successfully completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts, solidifying his reliability under pressure. Particularly noteworthy is his astonishing accuracy for long-distance kicks—he has nailed nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, ranking him second in the NFL in that category this season.
Aubrey’s innate talent has been proven time and time again since he joined the NFL. He has accumulated 19 field goals of 50 yards or more, showcasing not just physical skill, but composure worthy of a seasoned veteran. His kicking excellence continues to play a critical role in tightly contested games for the Cowboys, exemplified by successfully converting all three extra points and a crucial 29-yard field goal during a recent showdown with the San Francisco 49ers.
The discipline and consistency required for both his jury duty and NFL duties might find roots in his familial connections to the legal world. Aubrey mentioned, "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer." This background could well explain his poised performance in both courtroom responsibility and the high-stakes atmosphere of professional sports.
Balancing Roles, Excelling in Challenges
Balancing jury duty and NFL practice sessions is no small feat, with Aubrey seamlessly switching from courtroom deliberations to the rigors of NFL preparation. Not only did he fulfill his civic duty, he also maintained his exceptional sports performance, underscoring his pragmatic approach to both roles. This dual commitment highlights the shared qualities needed for success in both arenas—focus, precision, and unfaltering responsibility.
As Aubrey navigates the remainder of the season, his experience will serve as a testament to the power of managing professional obligations and civic duties with integrity and skill. The lessons learned from each domain seem to complement each other, enhancing his performances on and off the field. For now, fans and teammates alike can count on Aubrey not just for his kicking prowess, but also for his exemplary dedication to the roles life throws his way. Aubrey’s narrative is one of balance and excellence, bridging the worlds of law and sports with remarkable grace.