Brandon Aubrey Balances Jury Duty and NFL Performances
Brandon Aubrey, a name gaining traction in NFL circles, found himself in an unusual position recently. Serving as a juror in a domestic violence case involving Daniel Rincones, Aubrey wasn't just balancing his responsibilities in the courtroom but was also committed to his duties as a Dallas Cowboys kicker. The trial, held from October 22 to October 30, 2023, in Tarrant County, ended with Rincones convicted and sentenced to 65 years.
For Aubrey, this time of civic duty unfolded amidst a crucial stretch of the NFL season. He had attempted to reschedule his jury duty, but having already postponed once, his request was denied. Despite these challenges, Aubrey managed to maintain his focus on his NFL career, displaying an impressive commitment and time-management skill set that left many in awe.
Dedication on and off the Field
Aubrey's familial connections to the legal world, with a sister-in-law working as a district attorney and a brother who is a lawyer, offered him some insight into the demanding yet essential role of serving on a jury. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey notes, implying a certain familiarity with the legal process that many would find daunting.
His daily routine during the trial included racing from “nine to five in downtown Fort Worth in the court” to his team’s practice facility, a hectic endeavor as he describes: "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]." This dedication is a testament to his work ethic, an attribute praised by Cowboys’ special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel, who admired Aubrey's commitment to both roles: "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."
Performance Amid Pressure
The timing of the trial coincided conveniently with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, offering Aubrey a small window of relief. But as NFL followers know, bye weeks are hardly periods of rest. Aubrey continued to practice diligently, and his efforts bore fruit when he took to the field against the San Francisco 49ers, successfully nailing all three extra points and a crucial 29-yard field goal. His performance this season has been nothing short of impressive, with Aubrey completing 18 out of 20 field goal attempts.
Notably, Aubrey has developed a reputation for his prowess in long-distance field goals. With nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, he stands second in the NFL for this metric. Since entering the league, Aubrey has amassed a total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, solidifying his status as a reliable leg in pressure situations.
A Reluctant Spotlight
Aubrey’s juggling act did not go unnoticed, yet he remained humble and self-aware throughout the process. "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," he remarked, revealing a grounded personality despite the unique spotlight.
His ability to balance such disparate commitments—jury duty and professional sports—paints a picture of a disciplined individual, teeming with modesty and a strong sense of civic duty. This duality of roles has not only tested his time management but also underscored the often-overlooked off-field obligations professional athletes may face.
Brandon Aubrey’s tale of balancing courtroom obligations and NFL commitments is a striking narrative of dedication and professionalism. As he continues his journey with the Dallas Cowboys, fans and teammates alike will no doubt support this steadfast commitment to excelling in every facet of his life. For Aubrey, it seems that whether it’s nailing a field goal or fulfilling civic duties, he’s a person who rises to the occasion, time and time again.