A Unique Kind of Juggling Act: From Courtrooms to the Football Field
Brandon Aubrey, kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, recently became a master of multitasking by balancing two distinctly demanding roles: serving as a juror in a domestic violence trial and fulfilling his responsibilities on the field. Aubrey's journey through this challenging period offers a testament to his professionalism and dedication.
The trial in which Aubrey served took place in Tarrant County, stretching from October 22 to October 30, 2023. It was a serious matter involving Daniel Rincones, who was convicted on one charge and subsequently sentenced to 65 years. Aubrey's commitment to his civic duty was clear when he attempted to reschedule his jury service but was ultimately denied after an earlier postponement. It's not every day that an NFL player is called to serve on a jury, and Aubrey handled the situation with humility despite his high-profile status.
"I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey mentioned, pointing to his familial ties to the legal sphere that possibly influenced his sense of responsibility regarding jury duty. Nevertheless, the task was not straightforward. It required him to be in court "nine to five in downtown Fort Worth," as he described, before racing down Interstate 30 to The Star in Frisco for practices.
The distance and time constraints were daunting, especially considering the court's downtown Fort Worth location and the rush-hour traffic standing in the way of his NFL responsibilities. "It’s about an hour and a half to get here [in rush hour]," Aubrey explained, highlighting the logistical challenges he faced. Yet, he managed to keep a low profile, choosing not to leverage his NFL fame to get out of the duty. "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," Aubrey shared, reiterating his commitment to the task.
The timing of the trial coincided conveniently with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, allowing him some leeway in managing both responsibilities. Nevertheless, Brandon Aubrey still faced a packed schedule. Back on the field, his performance did not falter. In an impressive showing against the San Francisco 49ers, Aubrey nailed all three extra points along with a crucial 29-yard field goal. This was part of a successful season where he has completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts.
Significantly, Aubrey has made nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, placing him second in the NFL for that category this season. Overall, since entering the NFL, he has accumulated a remarkable total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more. His proficiency and consistency have not gone unnoticed by the team's coaching staff. John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, recognized Aubrey's efforts, saying, "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."
The Cowboys kicker's journey over the past week serves as a model of dedication and commitment. It showcases how athletes, particularly those in high-pressure leagues like the NFL, often juggle unexpected responsibilities alongside their primary roles. Aubrey's successful navigation of the courtroom and the gridiron underscores not just his physical skills but his mental resilience and dedication to doing what's right, both as an athlete and a citizen.
As Brandon Aubrey moves forward this season, Cowboys fans and his teammates alike can admire not just his on-field accomplishments but also his steadfast commitment off the field. Maintaining such a balance is no small feat, yet Aubrey has proven it is possible with a dose of humility, a dash of respect, and an unwavering dedication to his roles in all arenas of life.