Amid Courtroom and Gridiron: The Dual Life of Cowboys' Brandon Aubrey
In a unique intersection of law and sports, Brandon Aubrey, a kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, has epitomized the balancing act between civic duty and professional commitment. As Aubrey expertly juggled his roles, his recent experiences underscore the dedication required to succeed both on the field and in the courtroom.
Late October in Tarrant County saw Aubrey serve as a juror in a domestic violence trial involving Daniel Rincones. The trial spanned from October 22 to October 30, 2023, culminating in a conviction and a hefty 65-year sentence for Rincones. Despite his request to reschedule jury duty, Aubrey was bound to his civic responsibility, having already postponed once. Nevertheless, he managed to maintain his NFL practice regimen, showcasing resilience and adaptability.
Remarkably, the trial coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, providing a brief respite from his NFL commitments. However, this did not lessen the challenge of managing both roles. "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]," Aubrey explained, detailing his daily logistics during this period. Despite these demands, he remained modest, 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."
Aubrey's connection to the legal community runs deeper than his recent juror duties, extending into his family life. With a sister-in-law who serves as a district attorney and a brother who practices law, legal discussions are likely familiar territory for the Cowboys kicker. "I have a DA sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," he noted, perhaps explaining his inherent understanding of his civic responsibilities.
This understanding did not curb his performance on the field, as demonstrated in a compelling outing against the San Francisco 49ers. Aubrey executed all three extra points and delivered a crucial 29-yard field goal, contributing significantly to the Cowboys' efforts. His performance this season has been commendable, with 18 of 20 field goal attempts successfully completed. Notably, Aubrey ranks second in the NFL for field goals beyond 50 yards this season, having made nine successful attempts over that distance. His career total now stands at 19 field goals from 50 yards or more, cementing his reputation as one of the league's long-range specialists.
The Cowboys' special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, acknowledged the remarkable balance Aubrey maintained amid his dual commitments. "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 stated, underscoring the professionalism Aubrey exhibited during this challenging period.
Brandon Aubrey's story is a testament to the complexity of athlete's lives outside the spotlight. Balancing the demands of jury duty with the high-stakes environment of professional football requires a level of discipline and commitment that Aubrey demonstrated with aplomb. As he continues his NFL journey, his time in the courtroom serves as a reminder of the diverse roles athletes can play in their communities and beyond.