Chiefs Chiefs Branden Albert admits he's 'selfish' - Page 5

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

**Rausch** · 03-21-2013, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superturtle

Despite what the wife says I have to spread it around more...

aturnis · 03-21-2013, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fruit Ninja

or he doesnt want to keep up the drama. His point of view is like ok lets get to work and show them i deserve a long term contract. Him not signing and holding out just makes all this shit much worse for him.

It's a chip in Albert's favor. Either sign me to a long term deal, trade me if you must, or be forced to pay me this much this year...

**The Franchise** · 03-21-2013, 02:10 PM

Saints could use a LT. I'll take their 1st rounder for Albert.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 03-21-2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Saints could use a LT. I'll take their 1st rounder for Albert.

In effect you'd be trading Branden Albert +1.1 for Luke Joeckel and a mid first.

jd1020 · 03-21-2013, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

In effect you'd be trading Branden Albert +1.1 for Luke Joeckel and a mid first.

Assuming the Chiefs draft Joeckel. They could very well use that mid first on one of the other tackles.

Either way, its ****ing stupid.

mikey23545 · 03-21-2013, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowener

So? What the **** is wrong with that? He has put in his hours as one of the premiere tackles in the NFL. Why shouldn't he try and get his?

People like you need to realize players aren't evil for wanting to get paid. Jesus ****ing Christ. If I remember right you were bitching about this during the lockout as well.

Even if the amount he wants is unreasonable, huh?

Seems like Dorsey had no trouble signing a shitload of people this offseason, save one possibly very greedy, admittedly selfish one...

**The Franchise** · 03-21-2013, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

In effect you'd be trading Branden Albert +1.1 for Luke Joeckel and a mid first.

I'd still trade down. You should still be able to get one of the three top tackles at 4 or 8.

Brock · 03-21-2013, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikey23545

Even if the amount he wants is unreasonable, huh?

Seems like Dorsey had no trouble signing a shitload of people this offseason, save one possibly very greedy, admittedly selfish one...

Yep, just like Bowe was being too greedy with ScottyPee.

jimw51 · 03-21-2013, 03:26 PM

I understand his reasoning then

In58men · 03-21-2013, 03:45 PM

@evansilva: ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Branden Albert: "The #Chiefs are pretty determined to pick up a 2nd-round pick ... He's definitely on the market."

jd1020 · 03-21-2013, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inmem58

@evansilva: ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Branden Albert: "The #Chiefs are pretty determined to pick up a 2nd-round pick ... He's definitely on the market."

Probably should have thought about that before they traded theirs away...

Mr. Laz · 03-21-2013, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inmem58

@evansilva: ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Branden Albert: "The #Chiefs are pretty determined to pick up a 2nd-round pick ... He's definitely on the market."

I hope they are determined to get AT LEAST a 2nd round pick ....

**Tribal Warfare** · 03-21-2013, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inmem58

@evansilva: ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Branden Albert: "The #Chiefs are pretty determined to pick up a 2nd-round pick ... He's definitely on the market."

yep, and KC draft Okung too

Hammock Parties · 03-21-2013, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

yep, and KC draft Okung too

He's gone, dude.

Read the tea leaves.

This ****ing sucks. Three strikes in one offseason on Smith, Smith and Albert. Just unconscionable.

**Tribal Warfare** · 03-21-2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Go to Hell

He's gone, dude.

Read the tea leaves.

This ****ing sucks. Three strikes in one offseason on Smith, Smith and Albert. Just unconscionable.

There's no reading to it, it hasn't happened and it's draft season which means it is all smoke and mirrors until something tangible happens.

03-21-2013, 10:49 AM
ShowtimeSBMVP Chiefs Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $3346009	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, 02:10 PM	#63
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $2575047	Saints could use a LT. I'll take their 1st rounder for Albert.
Posts: 92,316

03-21-2013, 03:26 PM	#69
jimw51 Starter Join Date: Jan 2013 Casino cash: $10005127	I understand his reasoning then
Posts: 124

03-21-2013, 03:45 PM	#70
In58men Baba Ganoush Join Date: Jan 2012 Casino cash: $1738026	@evansilva: ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Branden Albert: "The #Chiefs are pretty determined to pick up a 2nd-round pick ... He's definitely on the market."
Posts: 29,439