Chiefs Branden Albert on Chiefs, free agency: 'It's not all about the money' + Q&A - Page 3

NIUhuskies · 02-26-2013, 10:29 PM

sorry if repost, i checked quick and didnt see it up yet.

For what I believe is just the second time this offseason Branden Albert spoke at length about his contract situation and the start of free agency on March 12. The first time came with 610 Sports a few weeks ago and on Monday night he talked with the Sports Syndicate. (Note: I find it very cool that Albert talked about these newsy issues on a non-traditional media outlet like this show.)

More: Do you follow Arrowhead Pride on Facebook? You should. Twitter

"Everybody says he's lobbying because he wants top money," Albert said. "I'm not lobbying because I want top money. First of all, I had a great contract. I was a first round draft pick. I had a large percentage of money to begin with."

Albert's rookie contract was five years, $15-ish million. So John Dorsey probably doesn't mind hearing him call that a great contract.

More: Everything we know about Albert hitting free agency

"My thing is this," Albert continued, "do not disrespect me. Like I told people before, I worked at my craft. From when I came into the league until now, it was rough [at times]. I had a great rookie year, the second year was rough, the third was rough, last year was a lot better, and this year was great. I finally got to that platform where people know me as a great football player.

'My thing is this: do not disrespect me.'

"For someone to say move him to guard, that shit is disrespectful. It's not all because I want the best contract, it's the truth. All these same people at the midseason of the year they had me a top 100 player. I don't look at that stuff but I remember that they had me as a top 100 player in the eighth game of the season and then I got hurt in the 10th game. So why are you trying to say now I need to be replaced? It just doesn't make sense to me. That's my argument."

I like seeing this from Albert. He believes in himself and he defends himself passionately. While he had a lot to say, Albert had few details to pass along regarding his contract.

"To be honest with you," Albert said when asked what's going on with this contract status, "being completely honest with you, I really don't know. I really, I mean ... things are in motion, but things are slow right now. There's a lot of things have to come to the forefront. I'm being patient like the rest of the world.

"I go on Twitter and I like messing with people because I want people to lighten up. I don't want to be uptight about the situation and I don't want others to be uptight about the situation.

"There's a lot I can't control. It's not me. I keep saying that. I'm not putting the onus on the organization because those guys just got there and they have to figure out other stuff, too. I'm understanding that and me and my agents, and everybody who works with me, we understand that. It's a process. Decisions have to be made and we have to just be patient. That's all I can say and that's the God's honest truth.
'It's not all about the money'

"Time will tell. Free agency starts on the 13th. Hopefully I'm a Chief and if I'm not ... I've been saying it, I really do want to be a Chief. It's not all about the money. It's about how I came from 0 to 70. I'm not at 100 yet. I'm trying to get there. I'm trying to be the best left tackle in football and I'm going to keep making progress towards that."

That's what Albert said about his contract but that wasn't all he said. Check out the full interview because he had some cool things to say, especially when he talked about the offensive line. Below are a few highlights from the rest of the show. Note what he says about Eric Winston, comparing him to Brian Waters, as well as that he'd rather see Donald Stephenson replace him than anybody.

Do you remember your Combine?

"I ain't gonna lie. Some of these guys posted some amazing things. I think one guy ran a 4.7 [40-yard dash]. Another guy ran a 4.9, Kyle Long ran a 4.9. These guys put up great stats. I remember I ran a 5.1 and my bench press wasn't a lot but I had the fastest 10 yards out of all the offensive lineman at the Combine. My broad jump was [inaudible]. I remember all that stuff. I think Greg Jennings tweeted that with all the measurements in the world you can't measure heart and desire to play football. That's what it comes down to."

What people don't realize is that in college you played with Eugene Monroe and playing you at guard was more of a scheme thing where they wanted you two loaded up on the left side. You two cleared holes for days there.

"Thank you! Someone finally tells the truth. Everybody says Eugene took your spot [at left tackle in college]. I played guard! I excelled at guard as a freshman. First of all, I had D'Brickashaw Ferguson there. Eugene played right guard. Nobody knows that. Eugene was a pure tackle. Our coach came, coach Groh came and said we're going to keep these boys on the left side of the line and we're going to dominate. If I could've played tackle, I could've played tackle but I played guard and I perfected it. That's what I get frustrated about because everyone speculating the truth and putting their own spin on it instead of knowing the truth."

What's your weight now?

"My weight runs like 315 right now. But I play around 308 or 309. That's my goal weight for this year. I keep trying to knock it down each year but that's my goal weight this year to be at 308 or 309. I'll learn how to play with that and I actually trained my body to be that way. My second year when I lost all that weight, I lost it drastically, it was real fast and it kinda drained me for the season. People don't understand that. I lost 40 pounds in two months. Science tells you you can't do that. It's bad for you to do that. By the time I got to the season I was drained. But I didn't use that as an excuse. That's another thing. In five years with people dogging me, not once did I use anything as an excuse. I just said I'm going to continue working hard and I'm going to show people."

On Eric Winston:

"I think Eric Winston is the No. 1 right tackle to me, in my eyes a top 10 tackle period. I think he's a hell of a player period.
'Winston was like a milder Brian Waters to me'

I have a lot of respect for the guy. He was like a milder Brian Waters to me. When I was young, every time I did something, he would look at me like what the hell are you doing. Eric, he know I was older and I used to do certain things and he would look back at me and be like, 'What are you doing?' and I'd be like, 'Ahh I don't know'. And he'd be like, 'Use your tools, use what you got'. He used to tell me, 'If I had your tools I'd do this and that'. That's how I became a good player is by listening to him because he was experienced. He'd been in big games, been proven as one of the best right tackles, in my eyes the best right tackle, I just listened to what he was saying and just tried to use that in my game."

What about the rest of the offensive line?

"Jon [Asamoah], man, if not this year then next year, years from now, he's going to be a great leader. The guy comes in and works hard. He's one of the guys that is going to impress you because of his demeanor because he really cares. Same with [Rodney] Hudson. Both of those guys they really care about their craft and what they do. Jeff and Donald, man, they can play football. I would never tell them, not to hype their head up, but they can both play football. Very, very, very talented young men. They just need to get upstairs. Once they get upstairs and learn how to be be professional, learn how to perfect their craft and learn how to keep their body in shape, the sky's the limit. I'd rather Donald Stephenson as the heir to the throne and he can take my spot then somebody else. That's my opinion. I think he's going to be a hell of a player but he has to get upstairs first. I think he's one of the best athletes besides myself as a big man I've ever seen in my life."

http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/2...2013-interview

**DaneMcCloud** · 02-27-2013, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AustinChief

Great post, nice dose of reality.

Albert would be silly at this point to agree to a contract.

There are several very good left tackles that will be available in free agency and if he's looking for a contract that pays him amongst the best in the league, he and his agent should listen to all offers and follow what's happening elsewhere.

I doubt that his agent wants him to set the market price.

**AustinChief** · 02-27-2013, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Albert would be silly at this point to agree to a contract.

There are several very good left tackles that will be available in free agency and if he's looking for a contract that pays him amongst the best in the league, he and his agent should listen to all offers and follow what's happening elsewhere.

I doubt that his agent wants him to set the market price.

True as well, this isn't going to happen overnight and we need to chill out.

Chiefnj2 · 02-27-2013, 06:15 AM

I think everything is hinging on QB right now and that is why things are moving slowly with Albert. If KC can wrap-up a trade for Smith or Foles they can use that 1st round pick on a tackle and play hardball with Albert. If they have to use that #1 on Geno, then they probably want to keep an experienced LT on the roster and can spend more on Albert.

**Mr. Flopnuts** · 02-27-2013, 06:18 AM

I honestly only see 2 scenarios playing out regarding Albert. Either he gets signed to a long term deal, or they put the franchise tag on him because they're worried about his back holding up. No way do I see them drafting LT at the first pick. Even if they don't draft a QB, I'll bet Reid takes a Pork chop for the defensive line. That is the only other thing that would fit his MO.

Chiefnj2 · 02-27-2013, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Albert would be silly at this point to agree to a contract.

There are several very good left tackles that will be available in free agency and if he's looking for a contract that pays him amongst the best in the league, he and his agent should listen to all offers and follow what's happening elsewhere.

I doubt that his agent wants him to set the market price.

I think you do. Usually the first guys to get signed get the big money because there is a great deal of interest in them. With a big FA class, once other players are signed the demand (# of teams still needing a LT) drops and the bidding war drops.

**the Talking Can** · 02-27-2013, 07:15 AM

guy is a team player and wants to be here...keep him

htismaqe · 02-27-2013, 08:36 AM

Where's Buzz Ballsack?

It's VERY CLEAR from this that Albert is NOT mad at the Chiefs.

He's mad at the media and the STUPID ****ING FANS that keep saying we should draft Joeckel and move him to guard.

htismaqe · 02-27-2013, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Albert would be silly at this point to agree to a contract.

There are several very good left tackles that will be available in free agency and if he's looking for a contract that pays him amongst the best in the league, he and his agent should listen to all offers and follow what's happening elsewhere.

I doubt that his agent wants him to set the market price.

Yep.

People should WANT Albert to explore the market. That means he's a smart guy that's confident in his ability.

htismaqe · 02-27-2013, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aturnis

I hear Albert is demanding big money. Haven't read any reports myself, but people have referenced it. I don't think that's the case at all. He sounds like a guy who is perfectly willing to take a hometown discount. I think the rumors of wanting big money were from impatient journalists trying to explain why his contract negotiations are taking so long, especially with a guy who wants to be here. Answer is, Dorsey and Reid haven't fully evaluated the situation yet(cap, tag, FA, draft), and are more worried about the draft right now.

I think he's willing to take a hometown discount.

He's NOT willing to take guard money, and he shouldn't be.

**The Franchise** · 02-27-2013, 08:50 AM

I see him going out and setting his value with other offers but giving the3 Chiefs a chance to match them and maybe giving them a litt discount off of said offer.

**BossChief** · 02-27-2013, 09:04 AM

If Albert isn't playing for the Chiefs next year, that's a massive front office failure.

htismaqe · 02-27-2013, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

If Albert isn't playing for the Chiefs next year, that's a massive front office failure.

But we have to trust these guys.

They're smarter than us.

htismaqe · 02-27-2013, 09:15 AM

Matt Miller is on 810 telling people that he doesn't hate Brandon Albert.

"He's just not worth $10M. I love Branden Albert."

Dude is a ****ing dumbass.

tooge · 02-27-2013, 09:22 AM

It's always all about the money because the agent gets a percent of the contract. More money for the player= more money for the agent. So the agent is just gonna say let me handle it and get the most money he can get for himself and the player.

**BossChief** · 02-27-2013, 09:23 AM

Brandon Albert is worth market value. Period.

Pay him like a starting LT and add in incentives for playing time.

Should be easy.

02-26-2013, 10:29 PM
NIUhuskies Veteran Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chicago, IL Casino cash: $7385050	Branden Albert on Chiefs, free agency: 'It's not all about the money' + Q&A sorry if repost, i checked quick and didnt see it up yet. For what I believe is just the second time this offseason Branden Albert spoke at length about his contract situation and the start of free agency on March 12. The first time came with 610 Sports a few weeks ago and on Monday night he talked with the Sports Syndicate. (Note: I find it very cool that Albert talked about these newsy issues on a non-traditional media outlet like this show.) More: Do you follow Arrowhead Pride on Facebook? You should. Twitter "Everybody says he's lobbying because he wants top money," Albert said. "I'm not lobbying because I want top money. First of all, I had a great contract. I was a first round draft pick. I had a large percentage of money to begin with." Albert's rookie contract was five years, $15-ish million. So John Dorsey probably doesn't mind hearing him call that a great contract. More: Everything we know about Albert hitting free agency "My thing is this," Albert continued, "do not disrespect me. Like I told people before, I worked at my craft. From when I came into the league until now, it was rough [at times]. I had a great rookie year, the second year was rough, the third was rough, last year was a lot better, and this year was great. I finally got to that platform where people know me as a great football player. 'My thing is this: do not disrespect me.' "For someone to say move him to guard, that shit is disrespectful. It's not all because I want the best contract, it's the truth. All these same people at the midseason of the year they had me a top 100 player. I don't look at that stuff but I remember that they had me as a top 100 player in the eighth game of the season and then I got hurt in the 10th game. So why are you trying to say now I need to be replaced? It just doesn't make sense to me. That's my argument." I like seeing this from Albert. He believes in himself and he defends himself passionately. While he had a lot to say, Albert had few details to pass along regarding his contract. "To be honest with you," Albert said when asked what's going on with this contract status, "being completely honest with you, I really don't know. I really, I mean ... things are in motion, but things are slow right now. There's a lot of things have to come to the forefront. I'm being patient like the rest of the world. "I go on Twitter and I like messing with people because I want people to lighten up. I don't want to be uptight about the situation and I don't want others to be uptight about the situation. "There's a lot I can't control. It's not me. I keep saying that. I'm not putting the onus on the organization because those guys just got there and they have to figure out other stuff, too. I'm understanding that and me and my agents, and everybody who works with me, we understand that. It's a process. Decisions have to be made and we have to just be patient. That's all I can say and that's the God's honest truth. 'It's not all about the money' "Time will tell. Free agency starts on the 13th. Hopefully I'm a Chief and if I'm not ... I've been saying it, I really do want to be a Chief. It's not all about the money. It's about how I came from 0 to 70. I'm not at 100 yet. I'm trying to get there. I'm trying to be the best left tackle in football and I'm going to keep making progress towards that." That's what Albert said about his contract but that wasn't all he said. Check out the full interview because he had some cool things to say, especially when he talked about the offensive line. Below are a few highlights from the rest of the show. Note what he says about Eric Winston, comparing him to Brian Waters, as well as that he'd rather see Donald Stephenson replace him than anybody. Do you remember your Combine? "I ain't gonna lie. Some of these guys posted some amazing things. I think one guy ran a 4.7 [40-yard dash]. Another guy ran a 4.9, Kyle Long ran a 4.9. These guys put up great stats. I remember I ran a 5.1 and my bench press wasn't a lot but I had the fastest 10 yards out of all the offensive lineman at the Combine. My broad jump was [inaudible]. I remember all that stuff. I think Greg Jennings tweeted that with all the measurements in the world you can't measure heart and desire to play football. That's what it comes down to." What people don't realize is that in college you played with Eugene Monroe and playing you at guard was more of a scheme thing where they wanted you two loaded up on the left side. You two cleared holes for days there. "Thank you! Someone finally tells the truth. Everybody says Eugene took your spot [at left tackle in college]. I played guard! I excelled at guard as a freshman. First of all, I had D'Brickashaw Ferguson there. Eugene played right guard. Nobody knows that. Eugene was a pure tackle. Our coach came, coach Groh came and said we're going to keep these boys on the left side of the line and we're going to dominate. If I could've played tackle, I could've played tackle but I played guard and I perfected it. That's what I get frustrated about because everyone speculating the truth and putting their own spin on it instead of knowing the truth." What's your weight now? "My weight runs like 315 right now. But I play around 308 or 309. That's my goal weight for this year. I keep trying to knock it down each year but that's my goal weight this year to be at 308 or 309. I'll learn how to play with that and I actually trained my body to be that way. My second year when I lost all that weight, I lost it drastically, it was real fast and it kinda drained me for the season. People don't understand that. I lost 40 pounds in two months. Science tells you you can't do that. It's bad for you to do that. By the time I got to the season I was drained. But I didn't use that as an excuse. That's another thing. In five years with people dogging me, not once did I use anything as an excuse. I just said I'm going to continue working hard and I'm going to show people." On Eric Winston: "I think Eric Winston is the No. 1 right tackle to me, in my eyes a top 10 tackle period. I think he's a hell of a player period. 'Winston was like a milder Brian Waters to me' I have a lot of respect for the guy. He was like a milder Brian Waters to me. When I was young, every time I did something, he would look at me like what the hell are you doing. Eric, he know I was older and I used to do certain things and he would look back at me and be like, 'What are you doing?' and I'd be like, 'Ahh I don't know'. And he'd be like, 'Use your tools, use what you got'. He used to tell me, 'If I had your tools I'd do this and that'. That's how I became a good player is by listening to him because he was experienced. He'd been in big games, been proven as one of the best right tackles, in my eyes the best right tackle, I just listened to what he was saying and just tried to use that in my game." What about the rest of the offensive line? "Jon [Asamoah], man, if not this year then next year, years from now, he's going to be a great leader. The guy comes in and works hard. He's one of the guys that is going to impress you because of his demeanor because he really cares. Same with [Rodney] Hudson. Both of those guys they really care about their craft and what they do. Jeff and Donald, man, they can play football. I would never tell them, not to hype their head up, but they can both play football. Very, very, very talented young men. They just need to get upstairs. Once they get upstairs and learn how to be be professional, learn how to perfect their craft and learn how to keep their body in shape, the sky's the limit. I'd rather Donald Stephenson as the heir to the throne and he can take my spot then somebody else. That's my opinion. I think he's going to be a hell of a player but he has to get upstairs first. I think he's one of the best athletes besides myself as a big man I've ever seen in my life." http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/2...2013-interview
Posts: 1,040

02-27-2013, 06:15 AM	#33
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $6654388	I think everything is hinging on QB right now and that is why things are moving slowly with Albert. If KC can wrap-up a trade for Smith or Foles they can use that 1st round pick on a tackle and play hardball with Albert. If they have to use that #1 on Geno, then they probably want to keep an experienced LT on the roster and can spend more on Albert. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,541

02-27-2013, 06:18 AM	#34
Mr. Flopnuts FINALLY! The wait is over. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The Future Is Now!!! Casino cash: $19947565	I honestly only see 2 scenarios playing out regarding Albert. Either he gets signed to a long term deal, or they put the franchise tag on him because they're worried about his back holding up. No way do I see them drafting LT at the first pick. Even if they don't draft a QB, I'll bet Reid takes a Pork chop for the defensive line. That is the only other thing that would fit his MO.
Posts: 56,649

02-27-2013, 07:15 AM	#36
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9152208	guy is a team player and wants to be here...keep him __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

02-27-2013, 08:36 AM	#37
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $8099900	Where's Buzz Ballsack? It's VERY CLEAR from this that Albert is NOT mad at the Chiefs. He's mad at the media and the STUPID ****ING FANS that keep saying we should draft Joeckel and move him to guard.
Posts: 104,421

02-27-2013, 08:50 AM	#40
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $2065047	I see him going out and setting his value with other offers but giving the3 Chiefs a chance to match them and maybe giving them a litt discount off of said offer.
Posts: 92,316

02-27-2013, 09:04 AM	#41
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $-1755912	If Albert isn't playing for the Chiefs next year, that's a massive front office failure. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,905

02-27-2013, 09:15 AM	#43
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $8099900	Matt Miller is on 810 telling people that he doesn't hate Brandon Albert. "He's just not worth $10M. I love Branden Albert." Dude is a ****ing dumbass.
Posts: 104,421

02-27-2013, 09:22 AM	#44
tooge MVP Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Liberty, MO Casino cash: $614112	It's always all about the money because the agent gets a percent of the contract. More money for the player= more money for the agent. So the agent is just gonna say let me handle it and get the most money he can get for himself and the player.
Posts: 17,206

02-27-2013, 09:23 AM	#45
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $-1755912	Brandon Albert is worth market value. Period. Pay him like a starting LT and add in incentives for playing time. Should be easy. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,905