BRANDEN ALBERT ANNOUNCES SURPRISE RETIREMENT

After a brief, yet eventful stint in Jacksonville Branden Albert has decided to hand up the cleats.

By Shareef Alnachoukati
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Former Pro Bowl tackle Branden Albert has chosen to retire. Albert abruptly hung it up less than a week into this year's Training Camp. The 2 time Pro Bowler was just practicing scrimmage drills with the team, which he did not perform too well in. Albert allegedly called out Dante Fowler in a 1 on 1 drill and was beaten badly. Albert was also competing for a starting spot on the line and most expected him to make to earn the starting left tackle spot.

In two separate trades earlier this offseason Albert, along with a 2017 late round draft pick (Marquez Williams) were acquired by the Jags from Dolphins in which the Jags sent Julius Thomas and a 2018 late rounder to Miami. Miami will now have to give back the 2018 seventh round pick to Jacksonville amid Albert’s retirement. The Jags will also save 9.6 million dollars in cap money this year and 17 million over the next two years. 

The Branden Albert dilemma started with him holding out in OTAs. He ended up reporting to mandatory camp but it raised a few eyebrows when he he wanted a new deal. 

Branden Albert released a statement following his decision.

“After 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! Special thanks to Al Groh and the University of Virginia for giving me the opportunity for a great education and showing faith in me when no one else wanted to take a chance on me. I am truly thankful for my UVA family.”

“This is such a special league and it’s been an honor and a privilege to play this sport professionally for the past nine years. I wish Coach Marrone and my Jacksonville teammates the best of luck on their journey this season. During my short stint in Jacksonville, I quickly realized that they are working incredibly hard to turn the corner and I truly believe that they will find success in the coming years. I look forward to returning to Miami, the place that I now call ‘home,’ and running my businesses, while giving back to the community. While this chapter of my life is coming to an end, my story is still going and I hope you’ll follow along. I will be furthering and finishing my education. GOD BLESS AND GODSPEED.”

​Albert’s retirement should open an opportunity for the left tackle spot that could be conquered by 2nd round pick Cam Robinson, Patrick Omameh, Jeremiah Poutasi, and Josh Wells. The Jags could also sign a Tackle to add more fire to the competition.

This is the the 5th surprising retirement in the NFL this week, the others being Andrew Hawkins, John Urschel, Rob Ninkovich, and Jadar Johnson. Could some or all be linked to the recent CTE reports?

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