Chiefs Chiefs Branden Albert admits he's 'selfish' - Page 9

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

Fishpicker · 03-22-2013, 07:46 AM

I fully support Albert and I wish the Chiefs would show a little more loyalty to the cornerstone of the offense. With that said, i won't be surprised when they deal him away.

**BossChief** · 03-22-2013, 07:59 AM

I don't buy the statements that his back is fine for a minute. These guys paid a WR and a punter elite money...if they thought his back was fine, they would have paid Albert in that same tier.

If they were to give Albert a 50 million dollar deal with 25 guaranteed and his back has issues that cause him to miss the amount of games he missed last year, the Chiefs come out looking like fools.

If I were in the Chiefs front office and I couldn't get a late first or an early second (at minimum) for Albert, I'd play him on the tag this year and if he stays healthy I pay him big bucks next offseason.

Steron · 03-22-2013, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

I don't buy the statements that his back is fine for a minute. These guys paid a WR and a punter elite money...if they thought his back was fine, they would have paid Albert in that same tier.

If they were to give Albert a 50 million dollar deal with 25 guaranteed and his back has issues that cause him to miss the amount of games he missed last year, the Chiefs come out looking like fools.

If I were in the Chiefs front office and I couldn't get a late first or an early second (at minimum) for Albert, I'd play him on the tag this year and if he stays healthy I pay him big bucks next offseason.

This. All of it.

DBOSHO · 03-22-2013, 08:41 AM

Im going to hate joeckel the minute goodell calls his name on april 25th.

The chiefs could pick any player to upgrade their team and most likely they are going to use it to draft a replacement for a young top 5-10 player at his position.

-King- · 03-22-2013, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

I don't buy the statements that his back is fine for a minute. These guys paid a WR and a punter elite money...if they thought his back was fine, they would have paid Albert in that same tier.
.

Wtf makes you assume that? That's like assuming that Pioli would have paid Bowe and Carr just because he had paid Flowers, DJ, Hali, and Charles. Some players get re-signed, some don't. Just because a GM signs 1 or 2 other players and not the 3rd doesn't mean there's something wrong with that player.
Posted via Mobile Device

**BossChief** · 03-22-2013, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -King-

Wtf makes you assume that? That's like assuming that ***** would have paid Bowe and Carr just because he had paid Flowers, DJ, Hali, and Charles. Some players get re-signed, some don't. Just because a GM signs 1 or 2 other players and not the 3rd doesn't mean there's something wrong with that player.
Posted via Mobile Device

Because they are gonna draft a left tackle in the first round.

Pioli didn't draft a corner in the first round. Carr didn't miss a handful of games due to back problems. Pioli was gonna let Dustin walk and tag Bowe a second time and draft Joeckel...he said that on TV.

tomahawk kid · 03-22-2013, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Because they are gonna draft a left tackle in the first round.

***** didn't draft a corner in the first round. Carr didn't miss a handful of games due to back problems. ***** was gonna let Dustin walk and tag Bowe a second time and draft Joeckel...he said that on TV.

Thank God that POS is gone.

**BossChief** · 03-22-2013, 09:16 AM

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.

---

This statement indicates the Chiefs have a long term contract on the table for Albert, but he wants more money.

-King- · 03-22-2013, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Because they are gonna draft a left tackle in the first round.

So? They made a terrible decision regarding the most important position in pro sports. You think they're not capable of not making a bad decision regarding the LT position?
Posted via Mobile Device

Molitoth · 03-22-2013, 10:43 AM

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.

Why not follow Geno's team like I will do?
It will give me something to root for other than the Chiefs/Royals/MU BB/Huskers FB.

**bevischief** · 03-22-2013, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

---

This statement indicates the Chiefs have a long term contract on the table for Albert, but he wants more money.

Or they are waiting to see if back is good... Then pay him next year.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 03-22-2013, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molitoth

Why not follow Geno's team like I will do?
It will give me something to root for other than the Chiefs/Royals/MU BB/Huskers FB.

Ugh. Follow Philly or Jax? Pass. I will however keep tabs on Geno for shits and giggles.
Posted via Mobile Device

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

03-22-2013, 07:46 AM	#121
Fishpicker On one quarter Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: I play all day Casino cash: $3097111	I fully support Albert and I wish the Chiefs would show a little more loyalty to the cornerstone of the offense. With that said, i won't be surprised when they deal him away. __________________ A person who has been [ideologically] demoralized cannot assess true information. the [demoralization] process is complete and irreversible. -Yuri Bezmenov on Soviet Subversion
Posts: 6,131

03-22-2013, 07:59 AM	#122
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1624088	I don't buy the statements that his back is fine for a minute. These guys paid a WR and a punter elite money...if they thought his back was fine, they would have paid Albert in that same tier. If they were to give Albert a 50 million dollar deal with 25 guaranteed and his back has issues that cause him to miss the amount of games he missed last year, the Chiefs come out looking like fools. If I were in the Chiefs front office and I couldn't get a late first or an early second (at minimum) for Albert, I'd play him on the tag this year and if he stays healthy I pay him big bucks next offseason. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,164

03-22-2013, 08:41 AM	#124
DBOSHO trap champ Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	Im going to hate joeckel the minute goodell calls his name on april 25th. The chiefs could pick any player to upgrade their team and most likely they are going to use it to draft a replacement for a young top 5-10 player at his position. __________________ Orginator of the group repost
Posts: 5,445

03-22-2013, 09:16 AM	#128
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1624088	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. --- This statement indicates the Chiefs have a long term contract on the table for Albert, but he wants more money. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,164