(TSX / STATS) JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Branden Albert announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday after nine seasons and without playing for his new team.
The Jaguars acquired the 32-year-old Albert during the offseason from the Miami Dolphins for a 2018 seventh-round draft pick.
Albert, a starter in 118 of 120 career games played and a Pro Bowl selection in 2013 and 2015, was expected to compete with rookie second-round selection Cam Robinson at left tackle.
Albert, who missed the voluntary portion of the Jaguars’ offseason program in an unsuccessful effort to renegotiate his contract, participated in the mandatory three-day minicamp in June.
“After nine seasons playing in the National Football League, I have decided to retire from the game that has given me so much,” Albert said in a team-issued release. “… 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. …
“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 (Doug) 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 contract with the Dolphins included $26 million guaranteed, all of which was paid in 2014-16. He was due a base salary of $8.875 million in 2017 and $9.575 million in 2018, none of which was guaranteed.
The 6-foot-5, 314-pound Albert hasn’t played a full season since 2011 when he was with the Kansas City Chiefs, who drafted him in the first round (15th overall) out of Virginia in 2008. He has missed 20 games over the past five seasons, including four in 2016.
Albert participated in the first three days of training camp, working with the first-team offensive line on Thursday and Saturday. He worked with the second team on Friday.
Photo MANDATORY credit – Jake Roth / USA TODAY Sports / San Diego, CA