Chiefs Chiefs Branden Albert admits he's 'selfish' - Page 2

ShowtimeSBMVP · 03-21-2013, 10:49 AM

There's a word being used in reference to Branden Albert that he resists – "disgruntled." It's the impression many got after reading his now-deleted Twitter account following his franchise tag and the release of Kansas City Chiefs teammate Eric Winston.

There's another word being used that also has a negative connotation, but Albert is fine with that one. Hey, he's even using it himself.

"You've got to be somewhat selfish in this situation," the Chiefs' left tackle told USA TODAY Sports by phone in his first interview since he was tagged before the start of free agency.

"My prior years being in Kansas City, I've been through a lot of dark days. Not just me, but Jamaal (Charles), Derrick Johnson, Brandon Flowers, Eric Berry, Dwayne Bowe, all of us. I just want to see lighter days for myself and my teammates.

"I'm not disgruntled at all. I just want a commitment. I want to know where I'm going, when I'm going and I want some security," he said.

Where Albert is going is a lot less clear these days than it was when the Chiefs tagged him.

Though Albert has signed his franchise tender at $9.828 million, that doesn't mean he's guaranteed to play with the Chiefs this season, because the team is talking to other clubs about a possible trade, according to a person informed of those negotiations.

The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity, said the Chiefs aren't desperate to move Albert but realize another team might offer him a better long-term contract. The Chiefs have the No. 1 pick in April's NFL Draft and might use it on tackle Luke Joeckel.

According to the person briefed on the trade talks, Kansas City isn't just listening to offers, as Sports Illustrated reported this week. The team is seeking out suitors. To borrow a word from the New York Jets' Rex Ryan in shooting down the Darrelle Revis rumors, the Chiefs are "actively" shopping Albert.

And he's OK with that, if it's best for his future.

"I have no problem playing in Kansas City," Albert said. "Everybody knows trying to go to another city and another place to play is kind of hard. But at the same time, the answers are not there for me (yet). I've got to do what I've got to do.

He added, "I don't know if I'm being traded, but I understand it's a possibility."

It's also possible the Chiefs could fail to find an acceptable offer, which means Albert would play out the year and potentially hit free agency next spring. At the very least, the team has made a commitment to him at a big salary for 2013, which should put to rest any rumblings of a serious back issue.

"I just had nothing more than back spasms (last season)," Albert said. "I tried to come back early and it flared up again. I haven't had any setbacks or things I couldn't do because of my back. That's the God's honest truth. If there was something wrong with my back, do you think the Chiefs would franchise me and give me $10 million?"

Good point. And here's another: One more season with the Chiefs might allow Albert to reestablish his value.

After all, the former No. 15 overall pick has been through a lot of change and should welcome the chance to play for a proven coach in Andy Reid.

"Four offensive line coaches, two GMs, three head coaches, five different offensive coordinators and seven quarterbacks I've blocked for," Albert said, rattling off the numbers. "But I think I've done well with the situation I've been given, with the teammates and coaches. I've learned how to play football and left tackle because I've had to, otherwise I was going to be a bust.

"With my pride, I didn't want that to happen."

And with his pride, he's not moving. Not inside to guard and not to right tackle to make room for Joeckel. That's what he said on Twitter and again this week when asked about such scenarios by USA TODAY Sports.

"I think you know the answer to that, based on my tweets," he said with a laugh.

Selfish, because he knows it's his time to be.

"The best thing I can control is myself," he said, "and that's training every day and being ready for whoever I'm going to play for in the 2013 season."

***

Follow Mike Garafolo on Twitter @mikegarafolo

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...medium=twitter

**BossChief** · 03-21-2013, 11:14 AM

If his back is good to go, why did he miss a bunch of games because of his back last year?

I have no problems with them being cautious with signing him...just don't throw him away for peanuts and draft his replacement by overspending. That's all I ask.

**BossChief** · 03-21-2013, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

Another way of saying 'i want to get paid'

he wants to stay at left tackle because left tackles get paid more.

It's always about the money

Nothing wrong with that, at all.

Why should the guy accept a contract that's structured for a lesser position?

philfree · 03-21-2013, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

If his back is good to go, why did he miss a bunch of games because of his back last year?
I have no problems with them being cautious with signing him...just don't throw him away for peanuts and draft his replacement by overspending. That's all I ask.

Because it healed up maybe?

I think he was just being over careful in a contract year on a 2-14 team.

Hog's Gone Fishin · 03-21-2013, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B14ckmon

Wasn't the "flared up again" a set back and wasn't not being able to play his position at a top level something he couldn't do because of it?

He seems a little dumb.

So was your father for having sex with your mother.

Hog's Gone Fishin · 03-21-2013, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCDC

Neither Fisher (quality of competition) or Joeckel (having mobile QB) upgrade this team. There are question marks about each. There are no question marks against Albert. We blow a once in a lifetime chance to have the #1 pick to pick a LT that is inferior to the one we have. Sounds stupid to me.

Putting Fisher at RT would upgrade our OL. I rather get a playmaker but thats what were gonna get.

Mr. Laz · 03-21-2013, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Nothing wrong with that, at all.

Why should the guy accept a contract that's structured for a lesser position?

Didn't say there was or that he should

He's just like 99% of the rest of the NFL ... looking to get paid.

B14ckmon · 03-21-2013, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

So was your father for having sex with your mother.

We all get drunk sometimes.

Molitoth · 03-21-2013, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

If his back is good to go, why did he miss a bunch of games because of his back last year?

I have no problems with them being cautious with signing him...just don't throw him away for peanuts and draft his replacement by overspending. That's all I ask.

How motivated would you be to hurry out of an injury only to go out and block for 2 total dipshits on the biggest epic failure of a season the Chiefs have ever had?

Yeah. It was probably more fun to to be eating nachos, and less taxing on your body. Albert should be very healthy at the start of next season.

RunKC · 03-21-2013, 11:28 AM

Still think they asked him to play RT, he got pissed and said no, and now they don't want him on this team.

**The Franchise** · 03-21-2013, 11:29 AM

Just let the guy play on the tag. If you can't work out a long term deal with him next year....tag him again and trade him.

Sassy Squatch · 03-21-2013, 11:30 AM

Welp... ****.

aturnis · 03-21-2013, 11:30 AM

:dap:

Much respect. Glad he came out and gave an insightful interview that better explains his stance and feelings and doesn't make him look bad.

**Tribal Warfare** · 03-21-2013, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCDC

Neither Fisher (quality of competition) or Joeckel (having mobile QB) upgrade this team. There are question marks about each. There are no question marks against Albert. We blow a once in a lifetime chance to have the #1 pick to pick a LT that is inferior to the one we have. Sounds stupid to me.

Joeckel won't get a grace period from me, I'll expect him to be a top 5 tackle and if he isn't then he and everyone in the organization should get railed. This "solid pro" shit can be found in any draft or on that matter later on in this draft.

aturnis · 03-21-2013, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YayMike

so......just pay the ****er and lets move on.

Can't. Have to leave our options open until we decide what to do with the draft. Take your time and make the best decision.

I know what I'd do, but it may not be best for the team.

ShowtimeSBMVP · 03-21-2013, 11:49 AM

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter 1h

Let trade talk begin: Chiefs announced that OT Branden Albert has signed his franchise tender. KC now can trade him if it wants.

03-21-2013, 10:49 AM
ShowtimeSBMVP Chiefs Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $3496009	Chiefs Branden Albert admits he's 'selfish' There's a word being used in reference to Branden Albert that he resists – "disgruntled." It's the impression many got after reading his now-deleted Twitter account following his franchise tag and the release of Kansas City Chiefs teammate Eric Winston. There's another word being used that also has a negative connotation, but Albert is fine with that one. Hey, he's even using it himself. "You've got to be somewhat selfish in this situation," the Chiefs' left tackle told USA TODAY Sports by phone in his first interview since he was tagged before the start of free agency. "My prior years being in Kansas City, I've been through a lot of dark days. Not just me, but Jamaal (Charles), Derrick Johnson, Brandon Flowers, Eric Berry, Dwayne Bowe, all of us. I just want to see lighter days for myself and my teammates. "I'm not disgruntled at all. I just want a commitment. I want to know where I'm going, when I'm going and I want some security," he said. Where Albert is going is a lot less clear these days than it was when the Chiefs tagged him. Though Albert has signed his franchise tender at $9.828 million, that doesn't mean he's guaranteed to play with the Chiefs this season, because the team is talking to other clubs about a possible trade, according to a person informed of those negotiations. The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity, said the Chiefs aren't desperate to move Albert but realize another team might offer him a better long-term contract. The Chiefs have the No. 1 pick in April's NFL Draft and might use it on tackle Luke Joeckel. According to the person briefed on the trade talks, Kansas City isn't just listening to offers, as Sports Illustrated reported this week. The team is seeking out suitors. To borrow a word from the New York Jets' Rex Ryan in shooting down the Darrelle Revis rumors, the Chiefs are "actively" shopping Albert. And he's OK with that, if it's best for his future. "I have no problem playing in Kansas City," Albert said. "Everybody knows trying to go to another city and another place to play is kind of hard. But at the same time, the answers are not there for me (yet). I've got to do what I've got to do. He added, "I don't know if I'm being traded, but I understand it's a possibility." It's also possible the Chiefs could fail to find an acceptable offer, which means Albert would play out the year and potentially hit free agency next spring. At the very least, the team has made a commitment to him at a big salary for 2013, which should put to rest any rumblings of a serious back issue. "I just had nothing more than back spasms (last season)," Albert said. "I tried to come back early and it flared up again. I haven't had any setbacks or things I couldn't do because of my back. That's the God's honest truth. If there was something wrong with my back, do you think the Chiefs would franchise me and give me $10 million?" Good point. And here's another: One more season with the Chiefs might allow Albert to reestablish his value. After all, the former No. 15 overall pick has been through a lot of change and should welcome the chance to play for a proven coach in Andy Reid. "Four offensive line coaches, two GMs, three head coaches, five different offensive coordinators and seven quarterbacks I've blocked for," Albert said, rattling off the numbers. "But I think I've done well with the situation I've been given, with the teammates and coaches. I've learned how to play football and left tackle because I've had to, otherwise I was going to be a bust. "With my pride, I didn't want that to happen." And with his pride, he's not moving. Not inside to guard and not to right tackle to make room for Joeckel. That's what he said on Twitter and again this week when asked about such scenarios by USA TODAY Sports. "I think you know the answer to that, based on my tweets," he said with a laugh. Selfish, because he knows it's his time to be. "The best thing I can control is myself," he said, "and that's training every day and being ready for whoever I'm going to play for in the 2013 season." *** Follow Mike Garafolo on Twitter @mikegarafolo http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...medium=twitter
Posts: 23,755

03-21-2013, 11:14 AM	#16
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1614088	If his back is good to go, why did he miss a bunch of games because of his back last year? I have no problems with them being cautious with signing him...just don't throw him away for peanuts and draft his replacement by overspending. That's all I ask. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,164

03-21-2013, 11:28 AM	#24
RunKC Andy Reid Supporter Join Date: Apr 2012 Casino cash: $1979611	Still think they asked him to play RT, he got pissed and said no, and now they don't want him on this team. __________________ Mike Greenberg@Espngreeny I can’t fathom what it must be like to be a fan of the #Chiefs. Adopt a Chief: Noah Gray
Posts: 46,299

03-21-2013, 11:29 AM	#25
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $2825047	Just let the guy play on the tag. If you can't work out a long term deal with him next year....tag him again and trade him.
Posts: 92,296

03-21-2013, 11:30 AM	#26
Sassy Squatch The man you could post like. Join Date: Oct 2010 Casino cash: $2179655	Welp... ****.
Posts: 38,058

03-21-2013, 11:30 AM	#27
aturnis MVP Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Iowa Casino cash: $9975811	:dap: Much respect. Glad he came out and gave an insightful interview that better explains his stance and feelings and doesn't make him look bad.
Posts: 13,873

03-21-2013, 11:49 AM	#30
ShowtimeSBMVP Chiefs Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $3496009	Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter 1h Let trade talk begin: Chiefs announced that OT Branden Albert has signed his franchise tender. KC now can trade him if it wants.
Posts: 23,755