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The Dean's List - Branden Albert, Hometown Hero
Born in Rochester, NY on November 4, 1984, football was never a part of Branden Albert's life. On April 26, 2008, Branden heard the words "with the 15th pick in the first round, the Kansas City Chiefs pick University of Virginia's Branden Albert". On that day, football became the major part of Branden's life.
Branden grew up on the Northeast side of Rochester. He is the youngest of 3 children born to Susan Albert (or as I know her, "Aunt Susie"). He went to the School Without Walls and played basketball for East High School. He says the program at the School Without Walls wasn't structured enough for him and he started testing the limits by what he calls, "becoming a knucklehead".
At the age of 15, Branden's family made the decision to send him to live with his older brother Ashley in Maryland. Ashley, a probation officer outside of Baltimore and a former college football star from the University of Maryland laid down the first law when Branden arrived - You must play football! He started playing during his junior year of high school.
His transition into his new surroundings went well, but there were still a few rough edges that needed to be smoothed out. After graduation, he enrolled in the Hargrave Military Academy to prepare him for the challenges that college life would have, both emotionally and academically.
He started attending the University of Virginia in 2005 where he was immediately placed in the starting line-up of the team.
His stats from high school through college are incredible! I predict he will have a very successful career in the NFL. But what stands out for the Dean's List is the young man I spent time with on Wednesday.
Standing 6'6" and weighing 310lbs, I thought he would have a big presence. To the contrary, he was very sweet, soft-spoken and gentle - complete with addressing me as, "Maam".
We chatted about how he is dealing with everything that has happened over the last week. "I'm very happy and I'm looking forward to getting started", Branden said. When I asked how he is staying grounded, he says that he always remembers where he came from. He gives a lot of credit to his brother Ashley and his time spent at Hargrave for his success. "Military school was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life, but I'm grateful for the experience and it has also helped me become the person I am now".
He realizes that with fame and fortune, problems can follow close behind. "It's already started", he says. From long-lost friends and relatives needing money, to the groupies! He says that he is ready to handle it all. The Dean's List believes him! He has already hired a financial planner. He said that he doesn't want to become one of those athletes that end up broke after an injury. He is looking for a house in Kansas City since he has signed a 5 year deal with the Chiefs. He never owned a vehicle before, so he treated himself to what he calls his "pre-draft truck" (see pictures).
Rochester You have a hometown hero and his name is Branden Albert. You should be proud!
Who needs the Bills? I'll be cheering for the Chiefs this season!
Write the Dean's List with your thoughts, comments or ideas at: thedeanslist1@gmail.com
