Living Scared: Branden Albert

Since being drafted in the first round last April, Chiefs left tackle Branden Albert, 24, has been warned often to watch his back—by KC's security staff, by teammates and by his older brother, a DC parole officer. Small wonder Albert has a new view on life.

Once I signed that rookie contract, the number went right on the front page. I bet people think: This kid was a first-round pick. He's young, dumb and spending money wildly—let's go after him. That is scary.

Security was one of the first things the Chiefs talked to us rookies about. They told us what to do, where not to go, what not to do. The league can do background checks on people, so there's a lot of help. But you also have to grow up quickly. There are places I used to go that I can't go to now. And I gotta watch myself when I come out of a nightclub, to see if anyone is following me. This is my new life—the life I wanted—so that's how it goes.

Michael Lewis

You can't blame the victims. It's a free country. If a guy wants to wear a big necklace, he's earned that. People might say, "Don't wear that flashy stuff." But should he have to dumb down his lifestyle because other people are trying to get at him? That's not right.

Watch your money. Watch your house. Keep your family close to you. And keep other people at a safe distance. That's what the veterans tell you. To be honest, a lot of guys get into trouble because they keep old crew members around, guys who are not bettering themselves. Then there are the new people who poke at us. There are three types: nice people who just want to get to know you; people who think you're rich and want something; and jealous people who want to start trouble. Fans don't understand what that's like. You feel like you're alone. And I couldn't believe it when Sean Taylor was killed. He was Superman on the field. But he wasn't in real life.

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