In an unusual blend of civic duty and athletic commitment, Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys’ kicker, has been juggling the demands of jury duty alongside his responsibilities on the field. Aubrey's recent off-field commitment came during a crucial time for the Cowboys and added an additional layer of complexity to his already demanding schedule.
A Jury Duty Challenge
Serving as a juror in Tarrant County, Aubrey was involved in a domestic violence trial against Daniel Rincones, which ran from October 22 to October 30, 2023. The case concluded with Rincones being convicted on one charge, resulting in a lengthy 65-year sentence. While many might find it challenging to balance such civic duties with everyday life, Aubrey took it all in stride, even though his request to reschedule his jury service was denied following an earlier postponement attempt.
On reflecting about his experience, Aubrey shared, "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]." His words highlight the intersecting demands of fulfilling both civic and professional responsibilities.
Familial Connections to Law
Aubrey's close connections with the legal world come naturally, considering the professionals in his family. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey mentioned. This familial background may have provided a unique perspective on the proceedings he was involved in and perhaps inspired his unwavering dedication to his jury responsibilities.
Consistency on the Field
Despite the demands placed upon him, Aubrey's on-field performance did not waver. Impressively, he maintained his focus and successfully executed all three extra points and a decisive 29-yard field goal in a significant game against the San Francisco 49ers. This consistency contributes to his remarkable stat line for the season, having completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts and making nine successful field goals beyond 50 yards, securing his position as second in the NFL for long-range kicks this term.
Since entering the NFL, Aubrey has tallied a total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, testifying to his prowess as a trusted kicker for the Cowboys. His ability to perform under pressure, both on and off the field, is acknowledged and respected within the organization.
Support from the Team
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, has been vocal about recognizing Aubrey's dual commitments. Fassel expressed admiration for Aubrey's ability to manage both his responsibilities, stating, "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." Such support surely plays a crucial role in helping athletes like Aubrey balance the unique demands they face.
The Road Ahead
The trial's timing conveniently coincided with the Cowboys’ Week 7 bye, giving Aubrey a brief respite from game day pressures. However, these circumstances required him to be resilient and adapt quickly once the trial concluded, offering no substantial downtime as he honed his focus back on the field.
Aubrey candidly reflected on his jury duty experience, "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." This statement speaks volumes about his character, showing a profound respect for the process and an unwillingness to leverage his athletic fame for personal convenience.
As the season progresses, Aubrey’s story stands as a testament to the challenges professional athletes can face beyond what’s seen on game day. Balancing civic responsibilities with professional sports is no easy feat, yet Brandon Aubrey has handled it with commitment, professionalism, and integrity, inspiring both teammates and fans alike.