In a unique confluence of professional obligations and personal responsibilities, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey recently showcased his ability to maintain precision under pressure, both on and off the field. The talented kicker managed to balance his NFL commitments with a civic duty that many might consider intimidating: serving as a juror in a domestic violence trial.
A Juror's Role Amidst Gridiron Pressure
Brandon Aubrey was called to serve as a juror in a trial held in Tarrant County. This trial, which ran from October 22 to October 30, 2023, involved the serious proceedings of a domestic violence charge against Daniel Rincones. Aubrey, attempting to fulfill his jury duty, had previously tried to reschedule due to his NFL obligations but was denied after already availing a postponement. This situation placed Aubrey in an unusual yet insightful position, bridging two very different worlds.
Without pausing his professional athletic responsibilities, Aubrey attended court sessions from nine to five in Fort Worth and swiftly transitioned to NFL practices, a daily commute that challenged his schedule. Reflecting on these unusual days, Aubrey said, "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]."
Family Ties to the Legal World
Interestingly, Aubrey's link to the legal system is not entirely devoid of familiarity. With a district attorney sister-in-law and a brother who practices law, the court environment isn't foreign territory. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey mentioned, indicating a strong family connection to the legal domain.
Performing Under Pressure
Despite the challenging schedule and the inevitable stress of courtroom deliberations that culminated in a 65-year sentence for Rincones, Aubrey's on-field performance didn't falter. Coinciding with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, this busy period allowed some semblance of relief for the kicker. Nonetheless, Aubrey's precision remained undeterred, continuing his practice and playing an instrumental role in the Cowboys' strategic success. He flawlessly executed three extra points and a critical 29-yard field goal against the San Francisco 49ers.
This season, Aubrey has impressively completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts and made his mark with nine field goals from distances greater than 50 yards, ranking him second in the NFL for such long shots. His career tally now includes an impressive 19 field goals from beyond 50 yards since joining the league.
Support and Acknowledgment
As the special teams coordinator for the Cowboys, John "Bones" Fassel acknowledged Aubrey's balancing act between still excelling in the physically demanding NFL environment while fulfilling the significant civic role of a juror. Fassel commented, "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."
Aubrey's experience underscores a profound testament to his dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to both his professional duties and civic responsibilities. While commenting on his necessary humility in this dual role, Aubrey candidly reflected, "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."
For Brandon Aubrey, the two weeks of blending jurisprudence and football may have presented logistical chaos, but it was handled with grace, professional integrity, and exemplary teamwork. The performance he delivered on the field during this period serves as an impressive testament to his uncompromising dedication. Aubrey's ability to deftly manage both worlds highlights an inspiring balance of ambition and accountability, as he continues to excel with the Cowboys while upholding civic duty as a responsible citizen.