Jacksonville Jaguars lineman Branden Albert has elected to forgo his tenth season in the NFL, announcing his retirement today. Having been traded to the Jaguars for a seventh round pick prior to the 2017 NFL Draft, Duval County natives were hoping that Albert would be the piece to replace Kelvin Beachum as the teams starting left tackle.
The two-time Pro Bowler announced his retirement today, in a Jacksonville Jaguars press release.
Branden Albert Retires From NFL
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 skipped the entire voluntary off-season program, and competed in just three days of training camp. In his absence, he has left second-round pick, Cam Robinson, the favourite for the starting left-tackle job.
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