Brandon Aubrey's Unusual Balancing Act: Jury Duty and NFL Commitments
In an unusual intersection of civic duty and professional athletics, Brandon Aubrey, a player for the Dallas Cowboys, recently undertook the challenging task of juggling jury service with his NFL responsibilities. Aubrey, known for his prowess on the field, found himself seated in the jury box in an intense domestic violence case while continuing his role on the Cowboys' roster.
A Week of Dual Responsibilities
The trial, centered on Daniel Rincones, took place in Tarrant County from October 22 to October 30, 2023. Rincones faced a charge that ultimately led to a 65-year sentence. During this time, Aubrey remained committed to his responsibilities as a juror, a civic duty he attempted to reschedule but was unable to due to a prior postponement.
Despite his rigorous schedule, which ran “nine to five in downtown Fort Worth in the court,” Aubrey maintained his NFL training regimen effectively. “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 stated, illustrating his determination and time management skills.
The Legal Connection
Aubrey's involvement in the legal process might not come as a complete surprise due to his family’s connections to the legal world. “I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer,” he shared, perhaps indicating a familial understanding and respect for the judicial system's demands.
A Determined Professional
Throughout the trial, Aubrey ensured his football commitments were not compromised. The Cowboys fortuitously had a Week 7 bye, which aligned perfectly with his jury duty, granting him some leniency in his training schedule. However, his dedication was evidently uncompromised. He was on form as he executed all three extra points, alongside a crucial 29-yard field goal in a game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Aubrey's performance this season has been noteworthy beyond this coincidental synchronization of schedules. He has successfully completed 18 out of 20 field goal attempts and is ranked second in the NFL for field goals over 50 yards this season. His career total stands at a remarkable 19 field goals from 50 yards or more since entering the NFL, indicating his consistent long-range shooting strength.
Respect and Recognition
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, appreciated the balancing act his player accomplished, recognizing Aubrey’s professional and personal dedication. “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 noted, underscoring the respect Aubrey earned from his team. Aubrey’s humility also shone through as he noted, “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.”
Through this experience, Aubrey has demonstrated that an NFL player can successfully balance the responsibility of serving justice with delivering justice on the field. The remarkable story of balancing jury duty and athletic preparation highlights the inherent complexities professional athletes face in their personal and civic lives. For Aubrey, it was undoubtedly a week of uncommon engagements, with his composure playing as vital a role in court as on the field.