Brandon Aubrey: Balancing Jury Duty and NFL Kicks
Brandon Aubrey's recent stint combines an unlikely mix of courtroom duty and precision on the gridiron. The Dallas Cowboys kicker found himself juggling the intense pressure of two very different responsibilities: serving as a juror in a domestic violence trial while maintaining his professional commitments during the NFL season.
Aubrey's unexpected role as a juror unfolded in October 2023, during a significant trial involving Daniel Rincones, who was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 65 years. The proceedings took place in Tarrant County and spanned from October 22 to October 30, coinciding fortuitously with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye. Aubrey had initially attempted to reschedule this civic duty after previously postponing it but was unsuccessful.
In a candid reflection on his unique week, Aubrey revealed the challenges he faced, stating, "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]." Despite the hectic schedule and the physical toll of these dual commitments, the kicker managed to continue his NFL practice sessions undeterred.
Aubrey's experience in the courtroom was perhaps shaped by his familial connections to the legal world. With a sister-in-law who is a district attorney and a brother who is a lawyer, the resonance of the legal system is a familiar tune within his family. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey acknowledged, hinting at the influence this may have on his approach to the judicial process.
While navigating jury duty, Aubrey demonstrated discipline and dedication, characteristics that have been reflected in his performances this NFL season. His achievements on the field have been noteworthy, with successful kicks contributing significantly to the Cowboys' standing. Notably, he executed all three extra points and a decisive 29-yard field goal in a high-stakes game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Aubrey's kicking efficiency is undeniably impressive; he has completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts this season. Particularly striking is his accuracy from long distances, having made nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, which positions him as one of the top performers in this category in the NFL. Since joining the league, Aubrey has tallied a total of 19 field goals from distances of 50 yards or more, underscoring his reliability and skill.
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, praised Aubrey's ability to manage both his commitments, saying, "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." This acknowledgment speaks volumes about Aubrey’s professionalism and the respect he commands within the team.
Reflecting on his choice to fully embrace his jury duty responsibilities, Aubrey admitted, "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." His words echo a humility and sense of duty that resonate beyond the sports arena.
Brandon Aubrey’s recent journey is a testament to his character, both as a player and a citizen. By fulfilling his obligations on the field and in the courtroom, he exemplifies a rare balancing act that serves as an inspiration within both domains. As the season progresses, Aubrey’s story of commitment and resilience adds a distinct layer to his growing legacy in the NFL.