Juggling Justice and the NFL: Brandon Aubrey’s Uncommon Week
Brandon Aubrey’s recent experience has been anything but typical for an NFL player. In a unique combination of civic duty and professional commitment, Aubrey successfully balanced serving as a juror in a domestic violence trial with maintaining his role as a key player for the Dallas Cowboys.
The trial, which unfolded in Tarrant County from October 22 to October 30, 2023, centered around Daniel Rincones, who faced a conviction resulting in a 65-year sentence. Aubrey, in an attempt to reschedule his jury duty due to his professional commitments, was met with denial following an earlier postponement. This left him striving to serve the legal system while preparing for his NFL obligations.
Despite these challenges, Aubrey remained committed to both roles. “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 remarked, underscoring his dedication to civic responsibility.
Brandon Aubrey’s connection to the legal world isn’t just a matter of circumstance. His familial ties run deep, with a sister-in-law who serves as a district attorney and a brother who practices law. “I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer,” he noted, highlighting the importance of the legal sphere in his life.
Maintaining the Gridiron Connection
Balancing these dual commitments was no small feat for Aubrey. With sessions in court stretching from nine to five, he described his quick transitions from Fort Worth to The Star in Frisco, battling rush hour traffic to make it to his NFL practice sessions. “Hop on the highway after and race down here. It's about an hour and a half to get here [in rush hour],” Aubrey explained.
Despite the tight schedule, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, recognized Aubrey's determination. “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 affirmed, appreciating Aubrey’s unwavering dedication.
This commitment was evident in the Cowboys' performance. Although the trial coincided with the team’s Week 7 bye, Aubrey returned to the field ready to play. In a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Aubrey successfully executed all three extra points in addition to a crucial 29-yard field goal. These efforts have been indicative of his season so far, with a record of 18 successful field goals out of 20 attempts.
A Season of Precision
Aubrey has consistently demonstrated exceptional precision, notably achieving nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards. This achievement places him second in the NFL for such attempts this season. Since entering the league, Aubrey has recorded a total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, a testament to his skill and reliability as a kicker.
While Aubrey's exemplary performance on the field is recognized, it's his adept handling of dual commitments that speaks volumes. His story is one of perseverance and balance, showing that dedication to civic duty can co-exist with professional excellence. Whether executing an incisive field goal or deliberating in court, Aubrey embodies a spirit of relentless commitment and integrity.