Former Chiefs WR Sends Warning to KC Organization After Retiring

On the evening of May 10, former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Albert Wilson, an undrafted prospect who accumulated nearly 2,500 receiving yards in the NFL, announced his retirement.

“Growing up, I can say my journey was one of a kind, both on and off the field,” Wilson wrote on Instagram. “Not wanting to be the winner and not wanting to prove I’m better, but strictly wanting to be put in a position to help my family do better.”

“10 years ago to this day I started a journey I didn’t see coming,” he said. “On May 10, 2014, I was fortunate enough to get that shot. BEFORE I LEAVE HERE, I’d like to thank God for blessed me with such an incredible journey. I understand that everything is possible because of you, and nothing is possible without you. After not being drafted, I told myself all I wanted was three years; when I got to three, you told me I could do five; when I got to five and fractured my hip, I thought that was the end of my journey, which exceeded my expectations; but you told me to keep my head down and keep grinding it out, and you blessed me with three more.”

In a second post, Wilson sent a quick note to each team he was a member of, including the Chiefs, who signed him as a UDFA in 2014.

“To the Kansas City Chiefs Organization, I want to thank you for kicking off this journey and giving me the only shot I ever needed,” Wilson wrote in a letter.

Later, he praised all of his coaches and teammates over the years for “helping me become the man/athlete I am today.” He closed both posts with “AWII OUT ❤️✌🏽,” announcing his departure from the league.

Albert Wilson Was Yet Another Chiefs’ UDFA Success Story

The Chiefs have landed their fair share of UDFAs throughout the years, and this trend has continued under general manager Brett Veach. Wilson was one of the undrafted success stories from 2014 to 2017.

Wilson has over 1,500 receiving yards in Kansas City, eight total touchdowns, and 100-plus all-purpose yards as a rusher and returner. He also had 106 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in four playoff games.

Wilson had his greatest season in 2017, catching 42 catches for 554 yards and three touchdowns. From there, he might continue his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins.

Although Wilson never quite matched his 2017 performance, he was consistent throughout his time with the Dolphins.

He finished his career hopping between the Minnesota Vikings and the Las Vegas Raiders, but he never appeared in an official regular season game for either team.

Ex-Chiefs WR Albert Wilson Has Advice for New NFL UDFAs

Wilson’s final speech included guidance for new UDFAs around the sport.

“To the guy in my shoes, put God first and keep hammering it out. “It is already written!” He stated.

Adding: “Draft selection #000, but with 8 years to my name, baby. Don’t believe the hype!”

Undrafted prospects are noted for carrying a chip on their shoulder. Wilson still looks to carry the chip to this day.

And it is critical that incoming UDFAs hear his message. “Keep grinding it out.” And “don’t believe the hype” will appeal to a broad audience.

In 2024, the Chiefs signed two undrafted wide receivers. Phillip Brooks from Kansas State and Jaaron Hayek from Villanova were two of the prospects.

They also briefly signed James Madison pass-catcher Reggie Brown, but Hayek replaced him on the 90-man roster following rookie minicamp.

Brooks, the local K-State receiver, stands 5-foot-7, only two inches shorter than Wilson. Hayek is slightly taller at 6-foot-1. Both will battle for a roster or practice squad spot in Kansas City’s congested wide receiver corps.