Jury Duty and the Gridiron: The Unique Week of Brandon Aubrey
Brandon Aubrey, the Dallas Cowboys' rising All-Pro kicker, faced an unusual intersection of civic duty and professional commitment recently. Compelled to serve as a juror during a critical domestic violence trial in Tarrant County, Aubrey navigated an intense week that coincided with crucial NFL commitments.
An Unexpected Civic Responsibility
Called to the jury for a domestic violence case against Daniel Rincones, Aubrey found himself in a unique position. Despite attempting to reschedule his jury duty—a request denied after an earlier postponement—he participated in the trial stretching from October 22 to October 30, 2023. The proceedings ended with Rincones convicted on one charge, sentenced to 65 years, a demanding and emotionally draining experience Aubrey described as "very depressing and dragged on longer than anybody expected it to."
Enter the complexities of Aubrey's life off the field. During jury selection, he disclosed familial ties to the legal sphere, stating, "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer." Despite these connections, which he assumed would preclude him from service, Aubrey was picked—a scenario his sister-in-law had earlier presumed unlikely due to his public profile.
Balancing the Courtroom and the Football Field
As the trial progressed, Aubrey juggled a grueling schedule, balancing his jury duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with NFL practice sessions. "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]," detailed Aubrey, highlighting the logistical challenge against the backdrop of his professional responsibilities.
Yet, Aubrey's commitment to his team remained unwavering. The trial coincided with the Cowboys' Week 7 bye, a time typically leveraged for intensive game preparations. Despite the demanding jury schedule, Aubrey managed to make essential contributions. During their subsequent game against the San Francisco 49ers, he successfully executed all three of his extra points and delivered a crucial 29-yard field goal.
Performance on the Field
Aubrey's performance statistics this season speak volumes of his prowess and dedication. He has successfully nailed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts. Notably, his nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards place him second in the NFL for that category this season alone, highlighting his remarkable long-distance kicking acumen. Since entering the NFL, Aubrey has totalled 19 field goals from 50 yards or more.
Reflections on a Unique Experience
Reflecting on the overall experience, Aubrey expressed a mix of regret and understanding. "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, introspective about the ordeal and acknowledging the delicate balance between public duty and personal brand.
The pressure of both venues illuminated the pressures a high-profile athlete faces beyond popular perceptions. Aubrey’s schedule-induced challenges didn't go unnoticed by the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, John "Bones" Fassel, who 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." This acknowledgment underscores the respect and understanding Aubrey's dual commitments earned from his team.
Brandon Aubrey's week on jury duty underscores an athlete's essential connection to public accountability, reflecting the dynamics between sports figures and their roles as community members. His successful return to the field, undeterred by the courtroom's emotional and practical demands, reinforces his professional dedication and personal integrity.