Brandon Aubrey Balances Jury Duty and the NFL: A Remarkable Week in October
In a week most would find overwhelmingly challenging, Brandon Aubrey, kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, exemplified an extraordinary blend of athletic prowess and civic responsibility. As a juror in a domestic violence trial in Tarrant County, Aubrey's week not only tested his endurance but also reaffirmed his status as one of the NFL’s most consistent performers.
The trial, which ran from October 22 to October 30, 2023, resulted in the conviction of Daniel Rincones, who was sentenced to 65 years. Amidst the seriousness of his duty, Aubrey managed to balance his time between the courtroom and the football field. Despite his attempts to reschedule the jury duty after an earlier postponement, the Tarrant County court required his presence. Yet, Aubrey's commitment to his professional obligations never wavered.
His familial ties to the legal profession—“I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey explained—likely lent him a unique perspective in the courtroom, though he maintained his sports duties with equal dedication. After long days in court, Aubrey faced a grueling commute: "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],” he shared, underscoring the physical and mental demands of his dual roles.
Aubrey's On-Field Excellence
Remarkably, the timing of the trial coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, a scheduling stroke of luck that allowed Aubrey some respite from games. However, his obligations to the team did not pause. Aubrey participated in regular practice sessions, demonstrating the same discipline and focus he exhibited in court. His contributions on the field were undeniable—executing all three extra points and landing a crucial 29-yard field goal in a game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Aubrey's performance over the season has been a noteworthy highlight for the Cowboys. Successfully nailing 18 out of 20 field goal attempts, and with nine successful kicks from beyond 50 yards, Aubrey has firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s top long-distance kickers this season. He ranks second in the league for field goals over 50 yards with a cumulative tally of 19 since his entry into the NFL.
Recognition and Respect
John “Bones” Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, lauded Aubrey’s ability to juggle these responsibilities, 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." These comments highlight the mutual understanding and respect developed within the team regarding Aubrey’s commitments.
In his own words, Aubrey reflected on the balance he maintained during this period: “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.” This humility and dedication resonate strongly in his dual roles, earning respect from teammates and peers alike.
Aubrey’s ability to handle the pressures of an NFL season while fulfilling his civic duty is a testament to his character and professionalism. Navigating between the solemnity of a courtroom and the charged atmosphere of the gridiron, Aubrey has exhibited an admirable competence and composure, reinforcing his standing as both a dependable athlete and a responsible citizen.
As the Cowboys continue to pursue success this season, the team can draw confidence from their kicker’s resilience and tenacity—qualities that go beyond any statistics and embody the very spirit of a dedicated professional.