As an adolescent growing up in a depressed section of Rochester, N.Y., Kansas City Chiefs T Branden Albert never could take many things for granted. That was evident every time his mother scrapped to make ends meet, hoping to amass enough that she’d be able to keep the electricity on. That seems vastly distant from his current circumstances. Now, as he prepares to embark on his second season in the NFL, he has a firm grip on obtaining his professional goals. Not one to rest on his laurels, the gregarious Albert is focused on making his mark… not just on the gridiron but in his adopted Midwestern home as well.

His football future seems bright. Even with a rookie season that brought the strife off two injuries, a higher than expected learning curve and the transition of a position change, he seems to have thrived. More than holding his own, Albert has had quite a bounce in his step recently. Of course, given the fact that he’s shed over 30 pounds since he arrived for the club’s off-season program this spring, that’s no surprise. Still, the combination of his newly svelte physic and the increased confidence in his abilities has him poised for a prosperous sophomore NFL campaign.

However, Albert’s focus is as multi-faceted as his ever evolving game has become. Case in point, as off-season workouts drug on well into the summer, it would have been easy to kick back and relax in his down time. Not so for this former Virginia Cavalier. Instead of flipping on the television, Albert brought his 6-5 frame to Children’s Mercy Hospital. His mission was to spread cheer to those confined within its walls.

“I really didn’t know what to expect,” admitted the former two-way prep standout. “But I have to be honest, I walked out of there thinking about how glad I was that I went. The looks on those kids faces were priceless.”

What might have seemed like an arduous task, trying not to focus on your aches and pains after hours of conditioning and weight training in the midst of those recovering from serious ailments, was natural for Albert. In one room he was asked to demonstrate a three-point stance. In another to tell who the most difficult defensive player he’s faced in the NFL is. Each time, this giant of a man graciously complies. He does so not because he feels he should. No, Branden Albert does so because he’s blessed and he wants to share his thankfulness with others. It’s a stance that he relays time and time again.

Late in his rookie season, as his body began to throb worse than it ever had before, he and a group of other Chiefs rookies made a visit at the Don Bosco Senior Center. Some of his teammates struggled with exactly how they could interact with the elders present. Not Albert. He quickly sauntered to a table of ladies and politely asked if he could join in their card game. Shocked by his offer, the group could only shake their heads and wonder how a young man so different than they would be able to “keep up.” That is until the pupil quickly began defeating his newfound card senseis.

As gracious as ever, Albert just sported his trademarked smile and winked at the rest of the table. Dumbfounded, the ladies had no recourse but the let out a cackle of acceptance. In no time flat, Albert had infiltrated a seemingly vastly different group and quickly made his mark. He wasn’t about to waste the opportunity to make a difference.

That’s similar to the way he arrived in Kansas City last season. The typical first-round flare that some high draftees display was nowhere to be found. He was humble and he preferred to go about his business, letting his actions speak on his behalf. Much like his work in the community, his teammates quickly took notice.

That brings us back to Children’s Mercy Hospital. Listening to Albert continue on about this visit, his humility shines through in a genuine way.

“It was very humbling to know that just sitting and chatting with these kids for a few minutes could make them so happy,” he notes shaking his head. “I look forward to going back and seeing them again. Not only did I brighten their day though, they truly brightened mine!”

And with that, the true essence of Branden Albert is apparent. He’s far from flash and selfishness. In fact, he’s more consumed with quietly going about his business and doing the right thing. Not so long ago, he was just a rotund kid from Rochester wishing he could find a way to help his mom pay that electricity bill. Today, he’s lighting the faces of seniors and teens alike… when he’s not honing his vast reservoir of athletic ability

For Albert, it’s all in a day’s work, really.

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