Jacksonville Jaguars Pro Bowl OL Branden Albert announces retirement

July 31 (UPI) -- Veteran offensive tackle Branden Albert has decided to retire from the NFL after nine seasons.

Albert, 32, announced the decision on Monday. The 6-foot-5, 314 pound two-time Pro Bowler joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in March after a trade with the Miami Dolphins. The No. 15 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft played his first six seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs. He made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2013.

"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 statement. "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 part of a Chiefs offensive line which helped Jamaal Charles total 1,980 all-purpose yards in 2013. He signed a five-year contract with the Dolphins in 2014. Albert played in nine games in his first season in South Florida before landing on injured reserve in 2014. He started 14 games in 2015 and made his second Pro Bowl.

Albert did not show up for voluntary workouts in April as he wanted to negotiate a new contract with the Jaguars, according to NFL Network. He reported in June to the team's mandatory minicamp and to training camp.

Jaguars rookie Cam Robinson is expected to begin the season at left tackle following Albert's departure.

The Dolphins received a 2018 seventh round draft pick in exchange for Albert.