Brandon Aubrey Balances the Scales: From Courtroom to NFL Gridiron
In an extraordinary week of juxtaposed commitments, Brandon Aubrey managed to straddle the line between civic duty and NFL professionalism with an aplomb rarely witnessed, achieving success in both arenas.
The Juror and the Lawyer's Kin
Brandon Aubrey's life intersects the realms of law and sports in a curious blend of fate and family ties. As a kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, Aubrey recently found himself not just amid the pressures of the football field, but also serving as a juror in a significant domestic violence trial in Tarrant County. The trial, which ran from October 22 to October 30 and resulted in a 65-year sentence for Daniel Rincones, demanded that Aubrey shoulder responsibilities beyond his usual gridiron duties.
The intersection of these two worlds, however, isn't entirely foreign to Aubrey. He candidly shared, "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," highlighting how legal conversations might be an occasional topic over family dinners.
Navigating Dual Responsibilities
Aubrey’s immersion in the trial was not without its challenges. Like many professionals with tightly packed schedules, he sought to rearrange his jury service but was denied after having already postponed once. His experience in the judicial system was described through his contemplative remark: "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."
From nine to five, Aubrey was embedded in the judicial process in downtown Fort Worth. His rush to the Cowboys' practice facilities in Frisco thereafter was a daily ritual. "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, recounting the strain yet persistence that defined his week.
Unyielding on the Field
Back on the field, Aubrey’s performance showed no signs of his courthouse commitments tampering with his focus or prowess. He managed to steadfastly maintain his practice sessions amid the week's obligations. Remarkably, Aubrey continued to exemplify excellence in his kicking game, successfully completing all three extra points and delivering a pivotal 29-yard field goal in a showdown against the formidable San Francisco 49ers.
His record-breaking accuracy continues to shine this season with an impressive completion of 18 out of his 20 field goal attempts. Aubrey also boasts nine successful field goals from beyond 50 yards, securing him the second spot in the NFL for long-distance kicks this season.
Endorsement and Respect
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, extended commendation for Aubrey’s balancing act during this period. "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, encapsulating the collective admiration for Aubrey's unwavering professionalism.
Throughout this intersecting saga of jury deliberations and touchdown celebrations, Brandon Aubrey demonstrated an admirable capacity to honor both civic responsibility and athletic excellence. His unique experience not only underscores the often unexpected challenges professional athletes may face but also reflects the steadfast resolve required to excel amid demanding circumstances.