Branden Albert announces retirement

The Miami Dolphins traded starting left tackle Branden Albert to the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason, moving second-year lineman Laremy Tunsil from guard to his natural position as the team’s new left tackle. In return, the Dolphins received a 2018 seventh-round draft choice, a pick that was not conditional - meaning the Dolphins receive the pick no matter how much or how little Albert plays for the Jaguars.

Or at all. [UPDATE:] The Dolphins have announced that the seventh-round pick has reverted back to the Jaguars.

Monday morning, Albert announced his retirement. In statement released via Jaguars.com, Albert said:

“After nine seasons playing in the National Football League, I have decided to retire from the game that has given me so much. 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 was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2008 Draft. He spent six years with the Chiefs, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2013. The Dolphins signed Albert in 2014, spending the last three years in South Florida, and earning a second Pro Bowl appearance in 2015. He was traded to the Jaguars this offseason, initially holding out during the offseason training program in an effort to get a new contract from the Jaguars.

Big Cat Country, SB Nation’s Jaguars site, describes the announcement of Albert’s retirement as “a total stunner.”

For more on the Jaguars and Albert’s retirement, check out Big Cat Country.