Brandon Aubrey: Balancing the Scales of Justice and the NFL
In a compelling intersection of sports and civic duty, Brandon Aubrey, kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, recently navigated a demanding dual role: serving as a juror in a domestic violence trial while simultaneously maintaining his responsibilities on the gridiron. His unique journey unfolded in the halls of justice and the football field, offering a narrative of dedication and resilience.
The Trial
The story begins in Tarrant County, where Aubrey was called to serve as a juror in the trial of Daniel Rincones. The trial, which spanned from October 22 to October 30, 2023, saw Rincones convicted on a charge that led to a 65-year sentence. Aubrey, who attempted to reschedule his jury duty but found no leeway after an earlier postponement, was steadfast in fulfilling this civic obligation. "I could have been more assertive," Aubrey reflected, suggesting a recognition of his status yet choosing humility over convenience, stating, "I don't want to sound like I think I'm better than anyone else or that I'm above the job."
Familial Ties to the Legal World
Brandon Aubrey's connection to the legal sphere is more than circumstantial; it’s familial. With a district attorney for a sister-in-law and a brother who practices law, his understanding of the legal process is underscored by dinner table conversations and family gatherings steeped in legal discourse. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey shared, providing context to his composed handling of jury responsibilities.
Balancing Professional Commitments
While fulfilling his jury duties, Aubrey maintained his rigorous NFL practice sessions, a testament to his commitment both as a citizen and a professional athlete. His days consisted of courtroom debates in downtown Fort Worth followed by a frenetic hour-and-a-half drive through rush hour traffic to reach The Star in Frisco, the Cowboys’ headquarters. "It was nine to five in downtown Fort Worth in the court. Hop on the highway after and race down here," Aubrey recounted, outlining the challenges of his daily schedule.
The timing, however, favored Aubrey to an extent. The trial coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, a fortuitous respite in his otherwise hectic calendar. This allowed him more flexibility to juggle jury duty with his team commitments.
Performance on the Field
Aubrey’s dedication was not confined to simply making appearances at practice. His performance against the San Francisco 49ers demonstrated that he was more than up to the challenge of balancing these commitments. In that game, he executed all three extra points and a crucial 29-yard field goal, fortifying his reputation as a reliable kicker. This season, Aubrey has successfully achieved 18 out of 20 field goal attempts, with a remarkable nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards. These feats place him second in the NFL within this category, with a total of 19 field goals from beyond that distance since his entrance into the league.
The Team’s Support
The Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, recognized Aubrey's exceptional balancing act, emphasizing the support from the team and trust in Aubrey’s professionalism. "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 commented, highlighting Aubrey's ability to manage both his NFL responsibilities and unexpected civic duties with aplomb.
In the high-stakes world of professional football, where every athlete’s focus is almost solely on the game, Brandon Aubrey’s story stands out. His seamless integration of jury duty with his career highlights the commitment athletes have beyond their sport, presenting a unique narrative of dedication not just to a team, but to society. Aubrey’s experience exemplifies a balance of professional excellence and civic responsibility, embodying a role model not only on the field but in the broader community. In this dual performance, Aubrey has proven that he is just as capable of delivering justice as he is in delivering a perfect kick through the uprights.