A Juror's Balancing Act: Brandon Aubrey's Dual Commitment to the NFL and Justice
During a stretch when most NFL players were capitalizing on a brief respite, Brandon Aubrey was juggling more than just his football responsibilities. The Dallas Cowboys’ kicker found himself serving as a juror in a domestic violence trial in Tarrant County, splitting his focus between the courtroom and the practice field.
The trial coincided with the Cowboys' crucial Week 7 bye, a period that is typically reserved for players to rest and recalibrate. Instead, Aubrey was entrenched in serious legal proceedings involving Daniel Rincones, who was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 65 years. Such a sentence underscores the gravity of the case, which demanded the full attention of the jurors.
“I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer,” Aubrey shared, a detail that hints at his inherent familiarity with the legal process. Despite this connection, Aubrey’s efforts to reschedule his jury duty were denied after an earlier postponement, compelling him to fulfill his civic duty alongside his professional obligations.
The demands on Aubrey were immense, as he recounted, “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].” Such was the daily routine for the Cowboys’ kicker, navigating through intricate logistics and time constraints.
However, Aubrey's commitment did not waver when it came to his on-field duties. John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, praised Aubrey’s dedication and professionalism during this challenging time. “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 remarked.
Despite the distractions, Aubrey showcased his reliability for the Cowboys. In a noteworthy performance against the San Francisco 49ers, Aubrey successfully executed all three extra points and nailed a crucial 29-yard field goal, effectively contributing to the team's success. His performance this season, with 18 out of 20 field goal attempts successfully converted, has kept him in the upper echelons of kickers league-wide.
Aubrey's penchant for impressive long-range kicks continued to be a highlight, boasting nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards. This remarkable feat places him second in the NFL for long-distance kicks this season, having accumulated 19 such kicks since entering the league.
Amidst these accomplishments, Aubrey’s experience as a juror served as a humbling reminder of the real-world responsibilities that professionals often bear alongside their careers. Aubrey himself reflected on his approach, 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.” It is this grounded mindset that perhaps contributes to his success on and off the field.
Ultimately, Brandon Aubrey’s journey through this unique intersection of NFL and judicial responsibilities underscores the multifaceted nature of today’s athletes. His ability to maintain top-notch athletic performance while participating in a significant legal process speaks volumes about his character and dedication.
This story of balancing professional excellence and civic duty is yet another chapter in the evolving narrative of athletes who are more than just players. They are citizens, leaders, and role models, all at the same time. For Aubrey, the recent weeks have undoubtedly been a testament to his capability as both a juror and a standout NFL player.