In the world of football, the spotlight often shines on heroic plays and nail-biting finishes. However, sometimes off-the-field events steal the show, as seen with Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey. He missed Wednesday’s practice, but not for the usual reasons of injury or personal matters. Instead, Aubrey was summoned for jury duty in a felony case in Tarrant County’s 297th District Court, presided over by Judge David Hagerman.
It’s not common for an NFL player to balance game preparation with civic responsibilities. Serving as a juror requires both sides of the legal case and the judge’s approval to allow a player to be relieved and replaced by an alternate. For now, Aubrey is fully committed to his role as a juror.
Typically, Aubrey would be honing his skills at the Ford Center on a Wednesday afternoon, taking advantage of the quiet time while his teammates are occupied with meetings. On Thursday, he would usually participate in a high-intensity kicking session with the team. However, this week, his schedule has shifted, and he’ll practice kicking whenever he has free time from court.
The Cowboys are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. As they head to California, the team is hopeful that Aubrey’s unexpected detour won’t affect his preparation. Given his dedication both on and off the field, expectations are high for him to perform when it counts.
The Cowboys will return home early Monday morning, and fans will be eager to see how Aubrey balances his unique week of juggling jury duty and football. His story highlights the often unseen challenges athletes face in balancing public life with personal responsibilities.