The Unyielding Dual Role of Brandon Aubrey
In an era where athletes often become multi-dimensional personalities, Brandon Aubrey is carving out his own unique narrative. Recently, he balanced the contrasting worlds of professional football and civic duty, serving as a juror in a gripping domestic violence trial. The trial, which saw Daniel Rincones convicted and sentenced to 65 years, unfolded over eight days, from October 22 to October 30, 2023, in Tarrant County.
For Aubrey, this experience was not unfamiliar terrain, thanks to his familial connections to the legal world. "I have a DA [district attorney] sister-in-law, and my brother's a lawyer," he remarks, highlighting his ties to the justice system. Despite this background, he encountered the common challenges of jury duty. Aubrey attempted to reschedule, hoping to shift the responsibility, yet was refused after a prior postponement.
Juggling Responsibilities
While the trial pressed on, Brandon Aubrey did not let it interrupt his NFL duties. As the Dallas Cowboys approached their Week 7 bye, Aubrey's dedication did not waver. Even amidst legal obligations, he continued attending 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]," Aubrey recounted, highlighting the logistical hurdles he adeptly managed.
Besides maintaining discipline in his NFL commitments, Aubrey shined on the field, demonstrating that his talents stretch beyond just legal comprehension. His clutch performance against the San Francisco 49ers, where he nailed all three extra points and executed a critical 29-yard field goal, testified to his ability to compartmentalize and excel under pressure.
Excellence on the Field
Aubrey's statistical achievements this season reflect his consistent excellence as a kicker. With 18 successful field goal attempts out of 20, and nine field goals from beyond 50 yards, he currently stands second in the NFL for field goals made from such distances this season. His career total of 19 field goals from 50 yards or more is nothing short of impressive for someone juggling multiple commitments.
John "Bones" Fassel, the Cowboys’ special teams coordinator, recognized Aubrey's exceptional balancing act. "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, applauding Aubrey's determination and commitment both as a player and a citizen.
Beyond the Gridiron
Brandon Aubrey's journey embodies the spirit of engagement and responsibility beyond the gridiron. His endeavor to honor his civic duties while not relinquishing his professional commitments offers a narrative of perseverance and commitment. "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 reflected, underscoring a humility that often accompanies greatness.
Through his efforts in both civic duty and sport, Aubrey exemplifies the dual roles many modern athletes find themselves navigating. His performance during this period exemplifies that excellence isn't confined to the physical prowess displayed on the football field but also includes the dedication to fulfill obligations at every level.