Brandon Aubrey, a figure synonymous with reliability on the field, found himself tackling a different kind of responsibility recently. The Dallas Cowboys kicker juggled his NFL commitments with an unexpected civic duty, serving as a juror in a domestic violence trial involving defendant Daniel Rincones. This dual commitment unfolded from October 22 to October 30, 2023, in Tarrant County, a challenging yet enlightening experience for Aubrey.
A Unique Balance
Stepping away from the bright lights of the NFL, Aubrey entered the courtroom, a setting far removed from the familiar roar of the stadium. The trial, resulting in Rincones' conviction and a hefty 65-year sentence, ran daily from nine to five. For Aubrey, the transition was anything but simple. "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, illustrating the relentless pace he maintained between his roles as a juror and a professional athlete.
Navigating Legal and Athletic Commitments
Juggling these responsibilities could have been daunting for anyone. However, Aubrey, with familial ties to the legal world—boasting a sister-in-law as a district attorney and a brother who practices law—seemed to handle the situation with measured composure. Despite attempting to reschedule his jury duty, his request was denied, owing to a prior postponement. Reflecting on his situation, Aubrey expressed a sentiment that many in his position could relate to: "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."
Keeping the Focus on the Field
Even amidst legal proceedings, Aubrey demonstrated unwavering dedication to his sport. The trial coincided conveniently with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, offering him a slight reprieve from the team's rigorous schedule. Yet, just as on the field, Aubrey met the challenge head-on. He meticulously scheduled practice sessions around jury duty, ensuring that his professional obligations remained fulfilled. His diligence paid off spectacularly; in a crucial game against the San Francisco 49ers, Aubrey successfully executed all three extra points along with a significant 29-yard field goal, showcasing his sharp focus and preparedness.
Remarkably, Aubrey has completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts this season. Demonstrating exceptional prowess from long range, he has made nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, earning him the second spot in the league for that category this season. In total, Aubrey has achieved 19 field goals from 50 yards or more since his NFL debut.
Acknowledgment and Respect
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, commended Aubrey for maintaining his dual commitments during this period. "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," Fassel acknowledged, underscoring the respect and understanding from his team towards Aubrey’s situation.
Ultimately, Aubrey’s experience serves as a testament to resilience and professionalism. Balancing the demands of an NFL career with civic responsibilities is not a feat many athletes face, yet Aubrey navigated this challenge with the same precision he demonstrates on the field. His journey offers a unique glimpse into the life of a professional athlete whose responsibilities extend beyond the realm of sports, fostering a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of their commitments both on and off the field.