Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Albert Wilson — an undrafted prospect who ended up gathering almost 2,500 receiving yards at the NFL level — announced his retirement on the evening of May 10.
“When I was growing up, my journey was unique, both on and off the field,” Wilson expressed on Instagram. “I didn't aim to win or prove I'm better, but simply wanted to help my family improve.”
“10 years ago today, I embarked on a journey I didn't expect,” he continued. “On May 10th, 2014, I was fortunate to get that opportunity. BEFORE I LEAVE, I want to thank God for blessing me with such an amazing journey. I believe all things are possible because of you and nothing would be possible without you. After not getting drafted, I initially aimed for 3 years, then you said I could do 5, and when I reached 5 and fractured my hip, I thought that was the end, but you told me to keep working hard and blessed me with 3 more.”
In a second post, Wilson shared a brief message with each organization he was a part of, including the Chiefs — who initially signed him as an UDFA in 2014.
“To the Kansas City Chiefs Organization, I want to thank you for starting this journey and giving me the only chance I ever needed,” Wilson wrote.
Later, he also thanked all of his coaches and teammates over the years for “helping me become the man/athlete I am today.” He ended both posts with “AWII OUT ❤️✌🏽,” indicating his retirement from the league.
Albert Wilson Was Another Chiefs’ UDFA Success Story
The Chiefs have had success with several UDFAs over the years, and that trend has continued under general manager Brett Veach. Wilson was one of those undrafted success stories from 2014 through 2017.
With Kansas City, Wilson accumulated over 1,500 receiving yards, with eight total touchdowns and another 100-plus all-purpose yards as both a runner and a returner. He also recorded 106 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns over four playoff games.
His best season came in 2017, when Wilson caught 42 passes for 554 receiving yards and three touchdowns. After that, he continued his NFL journey with the Miami Dolphins.
Although Wilson never quite surpassed that 2017 performance, he remained consistent throughout his time with the Dolphins.
He finished his career moving between the Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders’ organizations but did not appear in an official regular season game with either.
Former Chiefs WR Albert Wilson Has Advice for New NFL UDFAs
Within Wilson’s farewell message was advice for the new UDFAs around the sport.
“To the guy in my position, keep God first and keep working hard. It’s already destined!” He stated.
He also added: “Draft pick #000 BUT 8 years in the game baby. DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE!”
Undrafted prospects are known for having a chip on their shoulder. Wilson still seems to have that drive.
And it’s crucial that new UDFAs hear his words. “Keep working hard.” And, “don’t believe the hype,” will resonate with many.
In 2024, the Chiefs signed two undrafted wide receivers. Those players were from Kansas State, Phillip Brooks and from Villanova, Jaaron Hayek.
They also added James Madison pass-catcher Reggie Brown briefly, but Hayek took his place on the 90-man roster after rookie minicamp.
The local K-State receiver, Brooks, is 5-foot-7 — just two inches shorter than Wilson. While Hayek is a bit taller at 6-foot-1. Both will compete for a roster or practice squad role inside a crowded KC WR corps.
