In a unique blend of athletic dedication and civic responsibility, Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys kicker, intricately balanced the contrasting worlds of professional football and jury duty. Serving on a jury in a domestic violence case involving Daniel Rincones, Aubrey fulfilled his civic obligations just as dutifully as he performs on the field. The trial, which took place in Tarrant County from October 22 to October 30, 2023, saw Rincones convicted on one charge, resulting in a hefty 65-year sentence.
A Complex Commitment
Aubrey's participation in this trial wasn't without its challenges. Despite attempts to reschedule his jury duty after an earlier postponement, his requests were denied. Reflecting on this situation, Aubrey noted, "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." His commitment to the legal process was all the more remarkable given his busy professional schedule with the Cowboys.
Brandon Aubrey's ties to the legal world run deep, with a sister-in-law serving as a district attorney and a brother practicing as a lawyer. These familial connections perhaps reinforced his understanding of the importance of his role as a juror.
NFL Obligations Undeterred
Intriguingly, Aubrey continued with NFL practice sessions throughout his jury duty. "It was nine to five in downtown Fort Worth in the court," Aubrey explained. "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]." This juggling act was particularly relevant as the Cowboys had their Week 7 bye, providing a slight reprieve from game-day pressures.
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, acknowledged the kicker's dual commitments. "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 remarked, highlighting the admiration and support from the team.
Performance and Precision
Amidst these responsibilities, Aubrey remained unfazed in his athletic performance. During a critical game against the San Francisco 49ers, he successfully executed all three extra points and a vital 29-yard field goal, underscoring his unwavering poise under pressure. Throughout the current season, Aubrey has remarkably completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts, asserting himself as a reliable force in the Cowboys' roster.
Aubrey's proficiency extends beyond close kicks; his nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards place him second in the NFL for that distance this season. In fact, his accomplishment of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more since entering the league showcases his exceptional skill set, making him a pivotal asset for the Cowboys.
The Unseen Work Behind the Scenes
While Aubrey's on-field feats earn him public acclaim, his off-field commitments reveal a notable dedication to both his sport and his civic duties. This simultaneous dedication to the legal system and the football field presents a unique narrative not often seen in professional sports.
As a professional athlete thrust into a role embodying civic responsibility, Aubrey has provided an example of humility and perseverance. His journey through the legal corridors of Tarrant County while maintaining his athletic regimen offers a glimpse into the multifaceted lives that professional athletes lead.
For Cowboys fans and observers of the NFL, Aubrey's story serves as an inspiring reminder of the varying paths of commitment beyond the sport. Balancing professional football with the duties of a regular citizen, Aubrey's dual role exemplifies the art of juggling life's responsibilities with grace and determination.