An Unexpected Balancing Act: Brandon Aubrey Tackles Jury Duty and NFL Pressure
In an unusual blend of civic duty and professional sports commitment, Brandon Aubrey, an NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys, recently found himself navigating the corridors of justice by day and the gridiron by night. Aubrey served as a juror in a domestic violence trial in Tarrant County, which unfolded between October 22 and October 30, 2023. The case involved Daniel Rincones, who was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 65 years in prison.
Juggling jury duty alongside his NFL responsibilities wasn't simple for Aubrey. While he attempted to reschedule his jury commitments, prior postponements led to his request being denied. As described by Aubrey, “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].” Despite this taxing schedule, Aubrey managed to keep up with his Cowboys practice sessions, showcasing impressive adeptness in handling dual roles.
Family Ties to the Legal World
For Aubrey, familiarity with the legal world isn't far-fetched. He has strong familial connections that bridge the sectors of law and sports. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother’s a lawyer," Aubrey remarked, highlighting his family’s entrenched position in the legal field. These familial ties seemingly foreshadowed his unlikely role as a juror amidst an NFL season.
Performance Under Pressure
While Aubrey was fulfilling his civic responsibilities, the Dallas Cowboys experienced their bye week, offering a brief respite from the usual demands of the NFL. Yet, Aubrey's commitments to his team remained steadfast. His abilities culminated in a noteworthy performance during a game against the San Francisco 49ers, where he accurately executed all three extra points and delivered a critical 29-yard field goal. Such achievements positioned him as a formidable kicker, evidenced by his completion of 18 out of 20 field goal attempts this season.
Aubrey's kicking prowess extends well beyond the standard field goal range. This season, he has successfully made nine field goals from beyond 50 yards, placing him second in the NFL for this category. Since beginning his NFL career, he has accomplished a total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable and steady kicker.
Support from the Team
The Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, expressed support for Aubrey’s commitment to both his legal and athletic duties. "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 commented. Aubrey's ability to harmonize his roles earned him respect and admiration from his team, illustrating his determination and diligence.
Reflections on Jury Duty
Reflecting on his unique predicament, Aubrey admitted, "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." This humility underscores Aubrey’s grounded nature, despite the pressures and responsibilities of a professional athlete and public figure.
As the legal drama concluded, Aubrey returned full-time to his football obligations, bringing with him a richer understanding of civic engagement and a renewed focus on his athletic journey. His experience stands as a testament to the diverse challenges professional athletes may encounter beyond the stadium lights.