Branden Albert thanks Kansas City Chiefs in retirement letter

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 25: Branden Albert
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 25: Branden Albert /
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Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Branden Albert has retired from football and thanked the team in his goodbye statement.

This has been a roller coaster of an offseason for Branden Albert, so it’s only fitting that the former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman tag on the ultimate ending with the announcement that he’s officially retiring from the NFL after 9 years in the league.

Albert officially announced his retirement on Monday after only a few days in training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Clearly he was not ready to suit up for another season with a brand new team, deciding instead of say goodbye and return to his new home in Miami for good. In his final statement to fans and the media, Albert stated he would now conduct his post-NFL life—his business interests and community interactions—from south Florida.

Albert also thanked the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins in his statement along with the Jags.

"More from Arrowhead AddictFormer Chiefs cornerback in legal trouble in Las VegasChiefs Kingdom: Get ready to break contract newsChiefs news: Travis Kelce wants to host fan ‘chug-off’ in GermanyPodcast: Breaking down the Chiefs biggest roster battlesKC Chiefs send Dave Merritt to NFL coaching acceleratorAfter nine seasons playing in the National Football League, I have decided to retire from the game that has given me so much,” said Albert. “I would like to thank Mr. Khan and the Jaguars organization, Mr. Ross, Joe Philbin, Dennis Hickey and the Dolphins organization and Mr. Hunt, Carl Peterson, Herm Edwards and the Chiefs organization for providing me with the opportunity of a lifetime. GOD has blessed me with so much through football that I thought would never be attainable. It’s been truly a blessing. I cherish all of the relationships and people I have encountered while playing in the NFL!"

Albert was initially excited, or so he said, by the news that he’d been traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars by the Miami Dolphins earlier this offseason. The Fins were reportedly going to release Albert outright, but instead the Jags flashes a 7th round pick as compensation and the Miami front office took what they could for his services. But when it came time to report to offseason training activities, Albert was not only missing but failed to respond back to inquiries from new head coach Doug Marrone.

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Albert played his first six seasons in Kansas City after the Chiefs drafted him at No. 15 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He started 83 games in his Chiefs tenure before playing the last three years for the Dolphins.