In an unusual twist for an NFL player, Brandon Aubrey found himself splitting time between the courtroom and the gridiron this past week. The Dallas Cowboys' kicker served as a juror in the domestic violence trial of Daniel Rincones in Tarrant County, an experience that dovetailed with the team's Week 7 bye. While Aubrey was entrenched in solemn civic duty by day, he was still a pivotal player on the field, notably making three extra points and a decisive 29-yard field goal in a game against the San Francisco 49ers. His performance reinforced his reputation, having successfully completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts this season.
Aubrey's commitment to his dual roles was no easy feat. "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 logistical hurdles he faced. Despite the challenges, Aubrey upheld his responsibilities with discipline and dedication, a testament to his professionalism and respect for both the justice system and his football career.
Standing Tall in the Courtroom
The trial, which spanned from October 22 to October 30, 2023, culminated in a conviction for Rincones, who received a hefty 65-year sentence. For Aubrey, serving as a juror wasn’t an entirely unfamiliar experience. He has familial connections to the legal world, with a sister-in-law who works as a district attorney and a brother who is a lawyer. However, when it came to handling his own jury duty, Aubrey attempted to reschedule due to a prior postponement but found his request denied, leaving him to balance both commitments without any leeway.
"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 reflected, emphasizing his respect for the process and his humility in dealing with the unique challenge.
On the Field and Stepping Up
Despite the courtroom distraction, Aubrey remained a vital asset to the Cowboys, showcasing his consistency and prowess on the field. His performance has been nothing short of remarkable this season; he has made nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, ranking him second in the NFL for long-range accuracy this year. To date, he boasts an impressive tally of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more since joining the league, an extraordinary feat by any measure.
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, lauded Aubrey's ability to manage both roles, expressing admiration for his player's work ethic. "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, recognizing Aubrey's determination and focus.
Balancing Passion with Responsibility
Aubrey's story this past week is a reminder of the multifaceted lives athletes often lead beyond their public personas. His decision to juggle both responsibilities without compromising his professional commitments prepares him not just for pivotal moments on the field, but also for leadership roles beyond his athletic career. Aubrey's balancing act offers a compelling narrative of discipline and dedication, demonstrating that high-caliber athletes can and do contribute to their communities in significant ways outside the sporting arena.
His journey from a juror assessing another man's fate to assuming the pressure-laden role of a sports professional underscores the versatility and resilience that defines today's athlete. By performing admirably both in the courtroom and on the football field, Aubrey continues to set an exemplary standard for his peers and future athletes alike.