In a testament to his extraordinary time management and dedication, Brandon Aubrey, the kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, recently balanced the pressures of NFL competition with civic duty. Aubrey served as a juror in a high-profile domestic violence trial while also ensuring he maintained his rigorous football responsibilities.
A Unique Intersection of Football and Justice
The trial involved Daniel Rincones, who was facing serious charges in Tarrant County. Despite the weighty nature of the proceedings, Aubrey fulfilled his responsibilities as a juror with professionalism and restraint. The jury ultimately convicted Rincones, resulting in a 65-year sentence, a testament to the serious nature of the crimes deliberated upon.
Aubrey had attempted to reschedule his jury duty, but having already requested one postponement, his request was denied. Undeterred, he committed himself to both his judicial and professional obligations. Aubrey's connection to the legal world is not new; he mentioned his family ties to law, saying, "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer."
The Art of Balancing Commitments
During the trial from October 22 to October 30, Aubrey's life was a whirlwind of courtroom deliberations and on-field drills. Each day, after participating in the legal proceedings from 9 to 5 in downtown Fort Worth, Aubrey would race down the highway to make it in time for evening practice with the Cowboys at The Star in Frisco. Describing his daily rush, Aubrey said, "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]." His ability to juggle these demanding roles drew admiration not only from his legal peers but also from his colleagues on the field.
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, recognized Aubrey’s unique dual commitment, saying, "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." This support from his team made juggling the two demanding roles slightly more manageable for Aubrey.
An Impressive Performance on the Field
Remarkably, Aubrey maintained his sharpness on the field despite the hectic schedule. During his time on jury duty, he managed to take full advantage of the Cowboys’ Week 7 bye to focus both on the trial and his football duties. His performance in the game against the San Francisco 49ers was nothing short of exceptional. Aubrey executed all three extra points and a crucial 29-yard field goal, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Throughout the season, Aubrey has displayed a stellar track record as a reliable placekicker. He has successfully completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts, including nine from beyond 50 yards, placing him second in the NFL for long-range accuracy. His impressive total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more since entering the league underscores his prowess and intent to excel.
Navigating the Challenges
Balancing the demands of an NFL career with those of civic duty is a challenge few professional athletes face. Aubrey navigated this dual responsibility with humility and grace. Reflecting on his time as a juror, he acknowledged the internal conflict of pushing for another postponement but ultimately decided against it. "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," he admitted, showing respect for the role and those around him.
Brandon Aubrey's story is a compelling illustration of commitment, illustrating how professional athletes can successfully juggle multiple high-stakes environments. His experience underscores not only his skills on the field but also his integrity and respect for civic responsibility. As the season continues, Cowboys fans and teammates alike know that Aubrey will remain a steadfast contributor both on and off the field.