After playing in the NFL since the 2014 season, a former wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs declared his intention to retire. The player’s journey from Georgia State, where he was an undrafted free agent, to playing in the league for almost ten years was an incredible one.
A former Kansas City Chiefs WR retired from the NFL
Albert Wilson, who is 31 years old, declared his retirement in an Instagram statement. He expressed gratitude to the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, and Chiefs:
Here’s a paraphrased version of the message:
I extend my sincere gratitude to the Kansas City Chiefs Organization for providing me with the opportunity that launched my journey into the NFL.
To the Miami Dolphins Organization, I am profoundly thankful for the transformative impact you had on my family’s life. Playing in my home state allowed me to be a beacon of leadership and inspiration for my community during challenging times.
To both the Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders, I express my heartfelt appreciation. The experiences I had with both teams, alongside my family, will forever remain cherished memories.
I am deeply grateful to all my coaches and teammates throughout my career. The bonds formed and friendships cultivated have left an indelible mark on me. Thank you all for contributing to the person and athlete I am today.
Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chiefs in 2014, I spent four seasons with them before joining the Dolphins in 2018. After playing with the Dolphins until the 2021 season, I briefly joined the Vikings in 2022 and later signed with the Raiders in October of the same year.
Throughout my NFL career, I amassed 218 receptions, totaling 2,499 yards and 12 touchdowns. In postseason play, I contributed significantly, catching 22 passes for 95 yards and scoring two touchdowns for the Chiefs.
Albert Wilson had an incredible journey to the league
According to a 2014 article by Randy Covitz in the Kansas City Star, Wilson’s high school experience mirrored that of “The Blind Side.” With his parents incarcerated, Wilson found refuge with another family, which significantly influenced his football career:
The Baileys, who had already adopted eight foster children, were familiar with Junior through their own kids and welcomed him into their home when he was in 10th grade.
Although the Baileys had reached their adoption limit, they still took Junior in through a non-relative placement. After spending 10th grade with them, Wilson had the option to return to his parents upon their release from prison in Fort Pierce. However, he chose to stay with a cousin, Sherri Brown, in Port St. Lucie to avoid changing high schools.
Wilson expressed immense gratitude, acknowledging that without the Baileys and his cousin, his trajectory might have been vastly different. He admitted to struggling with his direction until his sophomore year, running with the wrong crowd. Eventually, he realized that Fort Pierce wasn’t where he wanted to be, and football provided him with the best opportunity to escape, which it ultimately did.
NFL fans wish Wilson the best
Our boy Albert Wilson retired…
He was a DOG in Patrick Mahomes’ first NFL game! pic.twitter.com/71cuzvf9gr
— fatty patty (@theonlydyl_) May 12, 2024
🚨 Former Miami Dolphins WR Albert Wilson has officially announced his retirement from the NFL
“To the Miami Dolphins organization, I want to thank you for changing my family’s life forever.” #GoFins pic.twitter.com/jyC3D5WOo6
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) May 11, 2024
🚨 Former Miami Dolphins WR Albert Wilson has officially announced his retirement from the NFL
“To the Miami Dolphins organization, I want to thank you for changing my family’s life forever.” #GoFins pic.twitter.com/jyC3D5WOo6
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) May 11, 2024
Example from day 1
Albert Wilson 10 for 147 at Den
First game
# 15 if they catch the ball
It doesn’t matter / he will find a way— CHIEFS From the Sidelines (@jimAFL) May 10, 2024
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