A Juror on the Field: Brandon Aubrey's Unyielding Commitment
Brandon Aubrey, whose precision on the football field has made him a standout player in the NFL, recently demonstrated an equally impressive commitment to civic duty. Serving as a juror during a critical domestic violence trial did not distract this Dallas Cowboys kicker from maintaining his form on the football field. Aubrey's dual responsibilities unfolded as he played a role in the conviction of Daniel Rincones in Tarrant County last week. Rincones received a 65-year sentence after being found guilty of domestic violence, ending a trial that took place from October 22 to October 30, 2023.
Aubrey's attempt to reschedule his jury duty was declined, having already sought a postponement. Despite this, he managed to balance his service with his commitment to the Cowboys, a feat that did not go unnoticed by the team’s special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel. "We got our work done Wednesday and Thursday," Fassel said, reflecting on how Aubrey maintained his training regimen. "Doing what we had to do and much respect for him knowing what he had to do."
The trial's timing coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, offering a small respite from competition, but not from duty for Aubrey. He juggled his time at the courthouse in downtown Fort Worth with his practice sessions at The Star in Frisco, an approximately hour and a half drive in rush hour traffic. Navigating this district is something Aubrey is somewhat familiar with, given his familial ties to the legal community—his sister-in-law serves as a district attorney, while his brother practices law. "I have a DA sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," Aubrey shared, speaking of his connection to the legal sphere.
The Cowboy's kicker acknowledged that he could have exerted more effort to avoid serving during the season but chose to approach his duty with humility and respect for the process. "I could have been more assertive," Aubrey admitted, "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."
Despite his obligations in court, Aubrey did not miss a beat on the field. In the Cowboys' matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, he successfully executed all three of his extra-point attempts and nailed a crucial 29-yard field goal, demonstrating that his commitment to the legal process did not come at the expense of his athletic performance.
Throughout the season, Aubrey has been a key contributor to the team’s success, completing 18 out of 20 field goal attempts. More impressively, he has made nine field goals from beyond 50 yards, placing him second in the NFL for this category this season. Since joining the NFL, Aubrey has consistently showcased his long-distance kicking prowess with a total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more.
The Cowboys' coaching staff and fans alike have come to rely on Aubrey's unwavering reliability and strong leg. John "Bones" Fassel's acknowledgment of Aubrey’s ability to balance such contrasting commitments testifies to the athlete's work ethic and professionalism. "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]," Aubrey recounted about his demanding schedule, adding a nod to the hustle that underpins his life both on and off the field.
Whether standing in court or on the gridiron, Aubrey's tenacity remains unwavering. His ability to seamlessly transition between the roles of juror and elite athlete underlines a significant truth—discipline extends far beyond sport, permeating every aspect of life, from moral civic duty to relentless pursuit of excellence in professional sports.