Aubrey Balances the Law and the Field
Balancing a demanding career in professional sports with civic obligations is no small feat, yet Brandon Aubrey, kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, managed to do just that during a pivotal week at the end of October 2023. Aubrey stepped into the dual role of NFL player and juror, serving on a domestic violence trial involving Daniel Rincones in Tarrant County. Rincones, eventually convicted and sentenced to 65 years, received the judgment following deliberations that Aubrey participated in during the week of October 22nd to October 30th.
Despite his responsibilities in the courtroom, Aubrey didn’t falter on the field. The Cowboys had a Week 7 bye, which coincided with his jury duty—yet this timing did not make his schedule any less grueling. "It was nine to five in downtown Fort Worth in the court," Aubrey recounted. "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]." The logistical challenges were evident: balancing courtroom solemnity with the intensity of NFL practices requires a unique level of dedication and focus.
Born into a family with strong legal ties, Aubrey is no stranger to the courtroom environment. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," he shared, perhaps signifying an intrinsic understanding of both the importance and responsibilities of jury duty. Despite his intention to reschedule his jury service, which was denied due to a prior postponement, Aubrey embraced his role without complaint. "I could have been more assertive," he admitted, reflecting on the experience. "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’s commitment didn’t go unnoticed by the Cowboys staff. John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, highlighted the respect and responsibility Aubrey showed under such unique circumstances. "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, underscoring the cooperative effort to maintain Aubrey's performance both in the legal and sports arenas.
This particular week may have been draining for Aubrey, but it certainly didn’t dent his precision on the field. During a key game against the San Francisco 49ers, he flawlessly executed all three extra points and delivered a critical 29-yard field goal. His accuracy this season is impressive, with Aubrey succeeding in 18 of his 20 field goal attempts. Notably, he has made nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, positioning him as one of the league's top performers in this distance category.
Since his entry into the NFL, Aubrey has turned 19 field goals from 50 yards or more into points on the board, showcasing a consistency that is second to none. These achievements underscore his dual capabilities—being a reliable kicker for the Cowboys and a committed citizen willing to fulfill his jury duty despite the demands of the NFL season.
Brandon Aubrey’s tale isn't just one of athletic prowess; it's a narrative of balance and integrity that highlights the multifaceted lives many athletes lead beyond the public eye. His ability to juggle professional obligations and civic duties exemplifies a broader commitment to service, speaking volumes about his character both on and off the field. Aubrey's journey through this trial, literal and metaphorical, serves as a testament to the balancing acts athletes perform, thriving under the strains of dual commitments and excelling in both arenas.