In an unusual intersection of sports and civic duty, Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys kicker, served as a juror in a domestic violence trial during his team's bye week. The trial involved Daniel Rincones, who was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 65 years. Aubrey's jury duty in Tarrant County from October 22 to October 30, 2023, raised eyebrows but illustrated the balance between professional obligations and civic commitments.
A Unique Balancing Act
Juggling the roles of NFL athlete and juror is no routine feat, as Aubrey discovered. Despite his attempts to reschedule due to ongoing professional commitments, his request was denied following a prior postponement. Reflecting on the situation, Aubrey explained, "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."
Aubrey’s commitment to both tasks was notable. Despite the court's strict nine-to-five schedule in downtown Fort Worth, he managed to maintain his NFL practice sessions. "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 recounted, demonstrating the logistics and dedication involved in his dual roles.
Amidst a Challenging Schedule
Balancing his roles did not affect his performance on the field. With the Cowboys on a Week 7 bye, he participated in practice sessions and delivered crucial performances, including successfully executing all three extra points and a pivotal 29-yard field goal in a game against the San Francisco 49ers. His consistent excellence has been a highlight this season, where he's completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts.
Aubrey’s prowess in long-distance kicking is further evidenced by his nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards this season, placing him second in the NFL for such attempts. In total, Aubrey has hit 19 field goals from this distance since joining the league, a feat that speaks to his precision and composure under pressure.
Support from The Team
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, acknowledged Aubrey's impressive balancing act. "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 said, highlighting the team's support and understanding of Aubrey’s situation.
Brandon Aubrey's commitment to his civic duty while maintaining his responsibilities with the Dallas Cowboys is remarkable. Beyond his professional and personal life, which includes a family deeply rooted in the legal sphere with a sister-in-law as a district attorney and a brother as a lawyer, Aubrey's journey reflects the often-overlooked civic responsibilities that even high-profile athletes are expected to fulfill. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey shared, revealing the perennial influence of law and justice in his family.
In an era where public figures often find themselves detached from everyday responsibilities, Aubrey stands out as a testament to balancing myriad roles with excellence and humility. His seamless transition from the courtroom to the football field not only illustrates his adaptability but also underscores the multifaceted lives that professional athletes can lead. As Aubrey continues his standout season, he does so with the experience and reflection gained from his time in a courtroom, an unexpected factor that has undoubtedly contributed to his growth both on and off the field.