12 questions: Chiefs' Albert on barbecue, NFL life, more

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Twelve questions for first-round draft pick Branden Albert, the Kansas City Chiefs' new left tackle, who played only two games at that position during his college career at Virginia.

Sporting News: What was your welcome-to-the-NFL moment?

Branden Albert: I haven't had it yet, but I know it's coming. It'll probably happen at training camp.

SN: What was your reaction when the Chiefs told you they wanted you to play left tackle?

Albert: I knew it was a possibility. When they told me, I knew they had faith in my ability and talent. I was ready to go, because that was the talk coming into the draft, that I was going to play left tackle.

SN: What has been the most challenging aspect about making the transition from college guard to NFL left tackle?

Albert: Just the technique. Playing guard in college I was, as they say, in a phone booth, in a tighter space. Playing tackle in the NFL, there's a lot more space I have to deal with. And the speed of the game is faster. But I'm slowly coming along.

SN: What have you discovered about Kansas City that you really like?

Albert: There are a lot of great restaurants, especially barbecue. And they have great enthusiasm about football. I don't think I've gone out one time when someone hasn't recognized me. They're passionate about their Kansas City Chiefs football team.

SN: What has been your most memorable on-field moment so far?

Albert: I don't think I've had one yet. I don't think it's hit me yet that I'm in the National Football League. Every day is like a blur. When training camp comes and we put the pads on, I think I'll realize then that I'm in the NFL.

SN: What has been your most embarrassing on-field moment?

Albert: The first day (of practice) I did real well, better than some people thought. The media wrote, "Branden Albert did this and that." The next day, I didn't do nearly as well in practice. I realized then you've got to bring it every day.

SN: What's the best advice you've received since coming into the NFL?

Albert: (Chiefs guard) Brian Waters told me, "You've come into a lot of money. You need to save your money and take care of it, because you can go broke."

SN: Which NFL opponent are you most looking forward to facing and why?

Albert: Julius Peppers. He's one of the best defensive ends in the league. ... The challenge of playing against a guy like that will let me see where I'm at myself.

SN: What are you going to do between now and the start of training camp?

Albert: I'm going back to school to train.

SN: Describe your experience throwing out the first pitch at a Kansas City Royals game?

Albert: It was a good experience and good exposure for me. A lot of people thought I was going to throw it in the dirt, but I think I threw a pretty good ball -- a nice little fastball.

SN: What hidden talent do you have that might surprise some people?

Albert: I can do perfect cartwheels. And I can do handstands.

SN: I'm trying to picture a 6-7, 315-pound lineman doing a cartwheel. Are you going to do one on the football field?

Albert: I don't think so.

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