Brandon Aubrey: The Dual Role NFL Kicker Balancing Jury Duty and Football
In a unique intersection of sports and civic duty, Brandon Aubrey, a kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, found himself juggling the pressures of the NFL with the responsibilities of serving as a juror in a domestic violence trial. This remarkable situation unfolded in Tarrant County, where Aubrey became an integral part of the proceedings against Daniel Rincones, leading to a 65-year sentence after a conviction on a singular charge.
A testament to his discipline and commitment, Aubrey continued to fulfill his professional obligations on the field while executing his civic responsibilities in the courtroom. The trial, which occurred from October 22 to October 30, 2023, coincidentally fell during the Cowboys' Week 7 bye—a fortunate break that allowed Aubrey to manage both roles without disrupting his team's schedule.
Despite attempting to reschedule his jury duty due to its conflict with his football career, Aubrey’s request was denied after an earlier postponement. A reflection of his humility and understanding of civic responsibilities, Aubrey noted, "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 background hints at his respect for the legal sphere—Aubrey comes from a family with strong legal ties, with his sister-in-law serving as a district attorney and his brother involved in law. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey shared, suggesting that the legal arena isn't entirely foreign to him.
The rigorous schedule he maintained during the trial is noteworthy. "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 recounted. Nevertheless, his commitment to the Cowboys remained unwavering, as Aubrey managed to attend practice sessions, ensuring his readiness for the NFL's demanding schedule.
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, recognized Aubrey’s dedication amid his dual commitments. Reflecting on Aubrey's situation, Fassel commented, "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."
Aubrey's performance on the field during this period mirrored his off-field resolve. Despite being stretched thin, he showcased his prowess in a critical game against the San Francisco 49ers, delivering on all three extra points and securing a vital 29-yard field goal. His precision this season is outstanding, with 18 successful field goal attempts out of 20, and an impressive nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards. This feat places him second in the NFL for field goals from that distance during the season, an indication of his elite kicking capability.
Since his entry into the NFL, Aubrey has achieved a remarkable total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, marking him as one of the league's most reliable legs when it counts. His dual engagement in both civic duty and professional sport stands as a testament to his strong character and work ethic, resonating well beyond the realms of just football. As the season progresses, the Dallas Cowboys and their fans can undoubtedly take pride in a player who not only contributes significantly on the field but also upholds the virtues of citizenship and civic responsibility—a true embodiment of dedication in every sense.
Brandon Aubrey’s experience is a vivid reminder of the intriguing intersections between public duty and professional sport, highlighting the multifaceted lives that athletes often lead outside the spotlight. While many aim for excellence in their craft, Aubrey’s context reminds us that true excellence often encompasses much more than just the game.