In an intertwining tale of judicial and athletic dedication, Brandon Aubrey, a kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, recently maneuvered through an extraordinary week. Aubrey served as a juror in a high-stakes domestic violence trial even as he addressed his NFL duties, showcasing a unique commitment to both civic responsibility and his professional passion.
The trial, which occupied Aubrey's weekdays from October 22 to October 30, 2023, in Tarrant County, ended with Daniel Rincones being convicted of one charge and receiving a 65-year sentence. Despite the weight of the legal proceedings, Aubrey maintained an impressive balance with the demands of an NFL career.
Navigating Dual Commitments
Aubrey sought to reschedule his jury duty, having already postponed once before. His request was denied, compelling him to serve during the Cowboys’ Week 7 bye, a fortunate albeit unintended coincidence in scheduling. Nevertheless, Aubrey managed to keep up with his practice sessions, underscoring a professional ethos admired by his peers.
“We got our work done Wednesday and Thursday,” recounted John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, reflecting on Aubrey’s commitment. “Doing what we had to do and much respect for him knowing what he had to do.”
The daily routine for Aubrey was nothing short of demanding. “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],” Aubrey shared, underscoring the logistical challenge of navigating from courtrooms to practice fields.
Family Ties in Law
Brandon Aubrey is no stranger to the legal world, with a familial backdrop deeply steeped in the law. “I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey remarked, offering a glimpse into the personal connections that could have added another layer of insight into the trial experience.
This background perhaps fueled his conscientious approach to jury duty, an obligation he pursued with the same integrity he demonstrates on the gridiron. Yet, even in the midst of serious responsibilities, Aubrey maintained a grounded perspective. “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 noted, reflecting his humble approach amidst broader recognition.
Excellence on the Field
Aubrey’s multifaceted week concluded with tangible success on the field. When facing the San Francisco 49ers, Aubrey delivered excellence by converting all three of his extra point attempts and nailing a critical 29-yard field goal. These achievements contributed to his season stats, wherein he has successfully made 18 out of 20 field goal attempts. Aubrey stands out in the NFL for his remarkable accuracy from long range, completing nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards this season, a feat that leaves him second overall in the league for that category.
Since entering the NFL, Aubrey has made an impressive total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, further cementing his reputation as a kicker with considerable range and precision.
Brandon Aubrey’s ability to simultaneously focus on both his obligations as a citizen and as a leading figure on the field highlights not just his skill, but the character and resilience that make such dual engagement possible. In a world where distractions often deter performance, Aubrey managed to be both a dedicated juror and a game-changing athlete, displaying a rare blend of commitment that draws admiration from all fronts. As the Cowboys continue their season, they will undoubtedly count on his reliability—both his feet and his head now proven under pressure.