An Uncommon Dual Commitment: Brandon Aubrey Balances Jury Duty and NFL Success
In the world of professional sports, it's not often that athletes find themselves juggling their career with civic responsibilities, especially ones as demanding as serving on a jury for a high-stakes trial. Yet, Brandon Aubrey, kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, recently navigated this unique challenge with poise and effectiveness, proving that dedication extends beyond the playing field.
The Trial of Daniel Rincones
Brandon Aubrey’s commitment was put to the test during a domestic violence trial in Tarrant County, where he served as a juror. The trial, held from October 22 to October 30, 2023, involved defendant Daniel Rincones, who was ultimately convicted on one charge and sentenced to an extensive 65-year term. Aubrey attempted to rearrange his jury service, seeking a rescheduling after having been granted a prior postponement, but his request was denied. Despite this, he upheld his civic duty without complaint.
Familial Ties to the Law
For Aubrey, the legal environment was not altogether unfamiliar. “I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," he noted, hinting at his familial connections to the field. These ties likely provided him a measured perspective on the trial process.
Balancing Commitments
While locked into the nine-to-five schedule of jury duty in downtown Fort Worth, Aubrey managed an exceptional balancing act by continuing 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 described, outlining the grueling commute to practice. This hustle highlighted his commitment both to the justice system and his team.
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, acknowledged Aubrey's impressive juggling of responsibilities, 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.”
High-Pressure Performance
Aubrey’s commitments came at a time when the Cowboys were on a keystone part of their season, coinciding with their Week 7 bye. Nevertheless, his focus did not waver. Displaying stellar performance, Aubrey executed all three extra points and delivered a crucial 29-yard field goal in a critical matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. This particular game underscored Aubrey’s capability to deliver under pressure, an attribute valued highly in professional sports.
Impressive Season Statistics
Throughout this season, Aubrey has shown exceptional skill, completing 18 out of 20 field goal attempts with precision accuracy. His range has also been notable, with nine successful kicks from beyond 50 yards, securing his position as the second leading kicker in that category across the NFL. Since his entry into the league, Aubrey has notched an impressive 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, highlighting his consistent ability to perform under varying conditions.
Despite the demands of jury duty, Aubrey maintained his commitment to the Cowboys and upheld his athletic responsibilities. Reflecting on his experience, Aubrey commented, “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.” Such statements reflect not only his humility but also his understanding of the importance of his dual obligations.
In an era where athletes are often seen solely as performers on the field, Brandon Aubrey's experience serves as a reminder of the multifaceted responsibilities that professional athletes can hold. His ability to balance the demands of both civic duty and sports excellence speaks volumes about his character and dedication. As the season progresses, fans and observers alike will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on Aubrey, not only for his prowess on the field but for his exemplary conduct off it.