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The response from our last interview with Stoney’s BBQ was so inspiring and warm that we're continuing our interview series with none other than football legend and family man Albert Wilson. In this interview, we dive into his career highlights with the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, his decision to play in his home state, and what’s next for him post-retirement.

P.S. The full video interview will be released Thursday on Sunland TV. This written interview is just a small piece of this incredible conversation.

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📚 Read Time: 5.97 Minutes

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Interview

🔥 Albert Wilson’s First Interview After NFL Retirement

Ja'Min - Sunland News: Is this the first interview, post-retirement?

Albert Wilson: Official interview, yeah. You know, I've made a couple of comments here and there, but nothing legit yet. So, of course, it's only right that we do this now.

Ja'Min - Sunland News: How do you feel post-retirement? I love the way you announced it—just low-key, staying true to your style. How did it feel writing that announcement?

Albert Wilson: I was excited. You know, I was entering a new chapter, just being a dad, which is something I always knew I wanted to do. But when it happened, it kind of took me by storm. Playing in the NFL for 9 to 10 years, being in that environment, I woke up almost every day thinking, "I'm really here." So, when it came time to make that decision to hang it up, it just felt like the right thing to do, the next thing in life.

Ja'Min - Sunland News: It sounds like it was just the right time.

Albert Wilson: Yeah, it was pretty much time. Going into work every day was great. Being in Vegas, I still loved competing, being around the guys, and everything that football had to offer. It definitely fulfilled me. But going home after everything was over and being with my family, waking up with them—it was something I knew was better.

Ja'Min - Sunland News: I’ve always admired your dedication, whether it was on the field or anything else. You’ve always been 100%, no matter what it was. And I’ve noticed that you’re great at building and finding teams. I feel like your family is your next team, right?

Albert Wilson: Definitely. The way you described it hits the nail on the head. Whatever I’m into, I put my 100% in. Being a guy with high faith, I believe if I put in the work, it’s going to work out. I’ve always told myself if I can do those two things to the best of my ability and it doesn’t go my way, then it was never meant for me. I’m okay with that. Once I’m in it, I’m a competitor, so I’m always pushing myself, and that’s where I get the results. It’s all about setting my eye on the prize, putting in the work, and believing it will work out.

Ja'Min - Sunland News: Graduating from Port Saint Lucie High, heading to Georgia State, and then the NFL—coming from a small town and a new college program, how did it work out for you?

Albert Wilson: I think small-town guys or those under the radar develop a "dog" mentality and find their "why" early. They’re driven by purpose, not just accolades, which pushes them harder toward their goals.

Ja'Min - Sunland News: Was choosing Georgia State pivotal for you?

Albert Wilson: Definitely. It was about putting my name in stone, building a program, and playing right away. My best friend Justin found the school, and we decided to dominate together. The experience sharpened my skills and prepared me for the NFL. It was all part of God’s plan, and that mentality carried over to my time in Kansas City, where I was willing to do whatever was needed. That’s what helped me play nine years in the NFL.

Ja'Min - Sunland News: You really embraced your role.

Albert Wilson: Most definitely.

Ja'Min - Sunland News: Wrapping up, what are you most excited about next? I know you’ve got some ideas brewing, especially about giving back to the community.

Albert Wilson: I’m focused on finding something that gets me out of bed every day, and I’m really passionate about working with the youth. I want to mentor young athletes, helping them get mentally ready for the next stage. It’s more about the mentality than just physical training, which has become widely available. It’s the intangibles that really matter.

Ja'Min - Sunland News: Right, those little intangibles.

Albert Wilson: Exactly.

Ja'Min - Sunland News: Word, man, I feel like we could talk forever, but we gotta leave a little something on the plate for next time, right?

Albert Wilson: For sure, man. Part two is coming. Once things get in motion, you know we’ll be back with a lot of things I have my eye on or just want to get into.

Ja'Min - Sunland News: Word. I appreciate you, man.

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