Chiefs Chiefs Branden Albert admits he's 'selfish' - Page 7

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

**RealSNR** · 03-21-2013, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

Why be a fan any longer?

I don't like the Smith trade and I want to keep Albert.

I cannot control any of it, so I've made my peace with it all.

I already don't give a shit about the Chiefs anymore. I can't just pick up a new team, so I'm stuck enjoying my time on Chiefs Planet and not watching any of their games.

Same position I was in last year.

**BigMeatballDave** · 03-21-2013, 04:17 PM

This place has become worse than reading reeruned mock drafts that have us taking Joeckel.

I've even accepted that pick.

Accept it all or find another outlet.

**BigMeatballDave** · 03-21-2013, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rapist

I already don't give a shit about the Chiefs anymore. I can't just pick up a new team, so I'm stuck enjoying my time on Chiefs Planet and not watching any of their games.

Same position I was in last year.

I'll still watch as much as I can. It's football. I cannot possibly not enjoy it.

DTLB58 · 03-21-2013, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

That just stupid.

So, what you're saying is that if the team is having a bad year, it's ok to overextensuate/fake injury so you dont have to play? If that's the case, I hope they trade him.

I'm convinced that's what Hillis did.

Ebolapox · 03-21-2013, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTLB58

I'm convinced that's what Hillis did.

nah, hillis just sucked.

**Easy 6** · 03-21-2013, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTLB58

I'm convinced that's what Hillis did.

I'll NEVER forget the halfassed acting job of limp he walked off with to start his time on the bench... that guy QUIT, simple and plain.

Had he not been a giant vagina, he could've really helped us.

**Tribal Warfare** · 03-21-2013, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

This place has become worse than reading reeruned mock drafts that have us taking Joeckel.

I've even accepted that pick.

Accept it all or find another outlet.

It hasn't happened so there is no point in accepting something that's bullshit from the media.

Dayze · 03-21-2013, 04:29 PM

trade him to Philly; have 2 picks in the first 4 picks. winning. ~

Brock · 03-21-2013, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

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.

Ha ha, sure.

Chiefaholic · 03-21-2013, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Back injuries don't just completely disappear...at least not in my experiences they don't. Having back spasms is something I would be cautious with if I'm looking at handing 50 million dollars to a football player that has had them recently.

Coming from a guy who deals with back problems on a daily basis, you'll feel great one day, then turn wrong and hurt for weeks.

-King- · 03-21-2013, 04:39 PM

Albert has had back spasms? According to who?
Posted via Mobile Device

**The Franchise** · 03-21-2013, 04:40 PM

If we're trading him to Miami.....I'll take both of their 2nds.

Indy for their 1st (#24)?

**BigMeatballDave** · 03-21-2013, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

It hasn't happened so there is no point in accepting something that's bullshit from the media.

Point is, I'm prepared. I've dealt with it.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-21-2013, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceebz

The guy is a top 10 tackle. Pay him and move the **** on.

Or, use him to get draft compensation, draft Joekel, and make room at the Steelers dinner table for me, please.
Posted via Mobile Device

Ace Gunner · 03-21-2013, 06:24 PM

JFC put the ****er on the view to tell his story

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, 04:17 PM	#92
BigMeatballDave GBM 8-12-15 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dayton, Oh. Casino cash: $10052154	This place has become worse than reading reeruned mock drafts that have us taking Joeckel. I've even accepted that pick. Accept it all or find another outlet.
Posts: 59,997

03-21-2013, 04:29 PM	#98
Dayze Resident Glue Sniffer Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $4689358	trade him to Philly; have 2 picks in the first 4 picks. winning. ~ __________________ Life is 99% inspiration, 1% Perspiration, and 1% Attention to Detial. RIP & Godspeed: Saccoppo Lonewolf Ed Fire Me Boy
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03-21-2013, 04:39 PM	#101
-King- ▓▓▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▓▓ Join Date: Jan 2009 Casino cash: $1925743	Albert has had back spasms? According to who? Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 63,924

03-21-2013, 04:40 PM	#102
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $2575047	If we're trading him to Miami.....I'll take both of their 2nds. Indy for their 1st (#24)?
Posts: 92,316

03-21-2013, 06:24 PM	#105
Ace Gunner First Overall Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: kcmo Casino cash: $10007271	JFC put the ****er on the view to tell his story __________________ The Greatest
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