Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is not expected to miss Sunday’s pivotal game against the San Francisco 49ers, but his week will look quite different due to his civic duty as a juror. The 29-year-old kicker is currently serving on a 12-person jury for a felony assault case in Tarrant County, Texas, and despite efforts from the Cowboys to have him excused, Aubrey has chosen to fulfill his responsibility as a citizen.
According to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Aubrey was spotted at the downtown Fort Worth courthouse on Wednesday afternoon while his team practiced without him. The Cowboys, recognizing the unique situation, listed Aubrey on the injury report with one of the more unconventional designations seen in recent memory, as he spent his day inside the courtroom.
The team will continue to list him this way for the remainder of the week, as Aubrey is unable to attend practice on Thursday or Friday due to his jury duty commitments.
Though Aubrey is “out indefinitely” for weekday practices, there’s a silver lining. The jurors in this case are not being sequestered, meaning Aubrey will be released for evenings and weekends, allowing him to continue traveling with the team and suit up for games on Sundays. The presiding judge is also reportedly willing to accommodate his football schedule, a rare flexibility that ensures Aubrey’s availability for the Cowboys’ crucial matchups.
Still, there’s no telling how long the case will last or how many more days Aubrey will need to report to the courthouse during the week. His absence from practice means the Cowboys must adjust their routine, but the impact is expected to be minimal.
RELATED: NFL Fans Urge Team to Revoke Controversial Cheerleader Policy
As a kicker, Aubrey’s preparation differs from that of other players on the roster. While the rest of the team requires live 11-on-11 reps and playbook study, Aubrey can do much of his practice independently, focusing on honing his kicking technique at any time of day.
His unique position allows him to stay game-ready without the typical daily practice routine.
Despite the disruption, Aubrey remains one of the top kickers in the NFL. His consistent performance this season has been a bright spot for the Cowboys, and his role on game days is critical.
With his strong leg and reliable accuracy, Aubrey’s presence on the field has helped the Cowboys maintain their status as contenders. His decision to honor his civic duty has earned him respect both on and off the field.
The Cowboys, while initially attempting to “pull him away” from jury duty, respect Aubrey’s commitment to serving his community.
His willingness to balance both his role as a professional athlete and his civic obligation speaks volumes about his character. For now, Aubrey will continue to juggle his responsibilities as both a football player and a juror, ensuring that both his team and his country benefit from his contributions.
As the Cowboys prepare for their showdown with the 49ers, all eyes will be on Aubrey, not just for his performance on the field, but for how he manages this unique situation.
The Cowboys need his accuracy, and the legal system needs his civic duty—and it seems that Aubrey is ready to deliver for both.
