Brandon Aubrey's Dual Commitment: The Unlikely Tale of a Cowboy Kicker and Juror
In a unique juxtaposition of career and civic duty, Brandon Aubrey found himself shuttling between the courtroom and the football field this past October, epitomizing dedication both as an NFL player and a responsible citizen. Aubrey, known for his prowess as the Dallas Cowboys' kicker, recently served as a juror in a high-profile domestic violence trial involving Daniel Rincones in Tarrant County. The trial, which ran from October 22 to October 30, 2023, ended with Rincones’ conviction and a hefty 65-year sentence.
The timing of his jury duty posed a potential conflict with his athletic commitments. Nonetheless, after an earlier postponement, Aubrey's request to reschedule was denied, prompting him to uphold his civic obligation alongside his sporting responsibilities. Interestingly, this coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, allowing him some leeway in balancing his dual roles.
Aubrey is no stranger to the legal world, boasting familial ties to the profession with a sister-in-law serving as a district attorney and a brother practicing law. Reflecting on this challenging week, Aubrey commented, "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer." Despite his connections that span both sports and law, Aubrey approached his role humbly, stating, "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."
The Balancing Act
As a juror, Aubrey's days were occupied with intense trial proceedings in downtown Fort Worth, confining him to the courtroom from nine to five. Post-trial, he navigated the rush-hour traffic, rushing to The Star in Frisco, where the Cowboys practice. Aubrey described this arduous commute, saying, "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 these exhausting treks, Aubrey managed to remain steadfast in his training regime, executing a seamless transition between his judicial responsibilities and professional commitments. His focus and work ethic did not go unnoticed, with John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, acknowledging the dedication Aubrey displayed. "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," said Fassel, highlighting Aubrey's exemplary commitment to both roles during a demanding period.
On the Field
Aubrey's fortitude off the field translated into remarkable performances on it. In a crucial matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Aubrey successfully executed all three extra points and delivered a pivotal 29-yard field goal, demonstrating his precision and reliability as a kicker. This performance was part of a stellar season where Aubrey has completed 18 of 20 field goal attempts, illustrating his consistent accuracy.
Remarkably, Aubrey has excelled in long-range field goals, converting nine successful attempts from beyond 50 yards, positioning him second in the NFL for that category this season. Since entering the NFL, he has accumulated a total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, underscoring his status as a dependable asset to the Cowboys' special teams.
Proud Resilience
Brandon Aubrey's narrative over the past week is a testament to his resilience and dedication, juggling the high stakes of professional sports with the demands of civic duty. His journey offers a compelling snapshot of a professional athlete who embodies the balance of personal responsibility and professional excellence. While the feats on the field are often the defining moments for an athlete, sometimes it is the commitment off the field that tells a richer story.
In Aubrey’s case, the harmony he achieved between fulfilling his duty as a juror and maintaining his performance as an NFL kicker has not only bolstered his reputation but also set a standard for professionalism that transcends the boundaries of sport.