Brandon Aubrey Balances Courtroom and Gridiron
Brandon Aubrey is making waves, not only as a reliable kicker for the Dallas Cowboys but also as a model citizen fulfilling his civic duties. Recently, Aubrey served as a juror in a domestic violence trial involving defendant Daniel Rincones, which ran from October 22 to October 30, 2023, in Tarrant County. Despite the demands of his NFL career, Aubrey managed to serve in the trial, which resulted in Rincones receiving a 65-year sentence.
When Aubrey received his jury duty notice, he sought to reschedule, only to be denied after a previous postponement. His commitment to the judicial process reflects his personal connection to the legal field, highlighted by familial ties; his sister-in-law is a district attorney and his brother a practicing lawyer. Brandon expressed a desire to handle jury duty without exerting any special privileges, stating, "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."
Juggling Two Roles
Balancing his responsibilities was no simple feat. With the trial schedule running from nine to five in downtown Fort Worth, Aubrey faced an hour-and-a-half commute to the Cowboys’ practice facility in Frisco during rush hour. The trial coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, which afforded him some flexibility. Yet, the logistical challenge remained. As Aubrey recounted, "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]."
The Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, praised Aubrey’s determination and ability to manage dual commitments. Fassel noted, "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."
Performance Under Pressure
The demands of Aubrey’s schedule did not seem to impact his performance on the field. In a game against the San Francisco 49ers, he successfully executed all three extra points and a crucial 29-yard field goal. Aubrey has shown remarkable accuracy this season, completing 18 out of 20 field goal attempts, including nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards. This proficiency places him second in the NFL for field goals from such a distance.
Since entering the league, Aubrey has amassed an impressive total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, underscoring his reputation as one of the NFL's most reliable long-range kickers.
A Season of Balance
This blend of civic duty and athletic achievement illustrates a season of balance for Aubrey. His commitment to the game and community demonstrates that he is not just a player of skill but also of character. As the season progresses, his actions off the field may well serve as inspiration within the league and beyond.
In sports, as in all fields, balance is critical. Aubrey's ability to perform on the field while fulfilling his responsibilities off of it exemplifies the qualities of dedication and professionalism that set the standard for athletes and role models alike. The Cowboys kicker has truly risen to the occasion, proving capable of handling whatever challenges come his way, on or off the gridiron.