Brandon Aubrey’s Balancing Act: Kicking Field Goals and Sitting on a Jury
In an unusual narrative that binds together the disparate worlds of justice and sports, Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys kicker, showcased his ability to juggle significant duties with precision and commitment. Serving as a juror in a domestic violence trial in Tarrant County involving the defendant Daniel Rincones, Aubrey found a way to fulfill civic responsibilities without missing a beat on the football field. Rincones was ultimately convicted on a charge and received a 65-year sentence, underscoring the gravity of the proceedings Aubrey was a part of.
Aubrey's Courtroom Commitment
The trial spanned from October 22 to October 30, 2023, neatly coinciding with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye. This fortuitous timing, however, did not eliminate the challenge of managing a packed schedule. Aubrey recounted his hectic days, noting, "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]." The juxtaposition of his legal obligations and athletic commitments paints a portrait of dedication.
Aubrey had initially sought to reschedule his jury duty but was denied due to a prior postponement. Despite the potential for disruption, he approached his duties without the fanfare one might expect from a professional athlete. "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 mentioned, reflecting a grounded perspective.
On Family Ties and Football Fields
Part of Aubrey's calm under pressure may well be rooted in his family connections to the legal field. With a district attorney as a sister-in-law and a lawyer for a brother, the legal lexicon is likely familiar. This background could have provided a unique insight into his jury duty, offering a deeper understanding of the proceedings. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey stated, suggesting that familial influences may have girded his approach to the trial.
Even amidst courtroom responsibilities, Aubrey delivered stellar performances on the field. His success was particularly notable in a game against the San Francisco 49ers, where he flawlessly executed all three extra points and a pivotal 29-yard field goal. This achievement forms part of a season where Aubrey has successfully completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts, including an impressive nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, a statistic that places him second in the NFL for that category this season.
Precision and Poise Under Pressure
Since joining the NFL, Aubrey has notched up 19 field goals from 50 yards or further, demonstrating not just skill but a coolness under pressure that likely served him well both on the field and in the courtroom. While the responsibilities of jury duty could have impeded his NFL duties, Aubrey managed to balance the two worlds expertly. John "Bones" Fassel, Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, expressed his admiration, 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."
Through his ability to pivot seamlessly between roles, Aubrey exemplified the virtues of resilience and dedication, values that resonate deeply in both courtrooms and on football fields. While the high stakes of the trial demanded his attention, his consistent performance on the gridiron indicated that he was equally focused on his athletic duties. Aubrey's experience highlights a unique intersection of civic duty and professional sport, providing a refreshing perspective on the myriad roles an individual can undertake with determination and grace.