Alberts played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, winning the Dick Butkus Award and Jack Lambert Trophy as a senior. Alberts was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.[2] Following his collegiate success, Alberts played in the NFL with the Colts, who selected him fifth overall in the 1994 NFL draft. His career ended after three seasons due to injuries. Alberts pursued a broadcasting career before serving as the athletic director at the University of Nebraska Omaha from 2009 to 2021. In 2021, he returned to his alma mater's flagship campus in Lincoln to become its athletic director before being hired for the same position at Texas A&M in 2024.
While attending the University of Nebraska, he played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team from 1990 to 1993. Following his senior season in 1993, he was awarded the Dick Butkus Award and Jack Lambert Trophy as the top college linebacker; Alberts was also recognized as a consensus first-team All-American, after recording 15 quarterback sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and 38 quarterback hurries. Despite an injury early in the eleventh game of the season against the Oklahoma Sooners, Alberts returned with a cast on his arm for the national championship game against Florida State in the Orange Bowl. Although the Seminoles won 18–16, Alberts had a dominant performance with three sacks of Heisman Trophy-winner Charlie Ward (FSU quarterbacks were sacked only five times during the 1993 regular season).
Professional
Pre-draft measurables
Height
Weight
Arm length
Hand span
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
243 lb (110 kg)
32+3⁄4 in (0.83 m)
9+1⁄4 in (0.23 m)
Selected in the first round with the fifth overall pick in the 1994 draft,[5] Alberts began his professional career with the Indianapolis Colts and continued to play for the Colts from 1994 to 1996.[6] Due to injuries he played portions of just three seasons before retiring before the 1997 season, tallying just four career quarterback sacks and one interception.
Alberts thereafter accepted a position as a columnist for the website of the college sports cable television network CSTV. He worked as a color commentator for the NFL on Westwood One Sunday afternoon radio broadcasts in 2006. He also provided color commentary for SEC football games on CBS.[citation needed]
Alberts also served as an analyst for Sprint Exclusive Entertainment, breaking down college football and other sports for viewers.[8]
Administrative career
Omaha
Alberts was hired in April 2009 to be the director of athletics for the Nebraska–Omaha Mavericks sports program at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.[9]
I believe the potential for UNO's athletic programs is unlimited. This new chapter in my life will be exciting for me and for my family. I had an amazing experience as a college athlete. For several years now, I’ve wanted to return to college athletics and give something back. This position at UNO is a privilege.[9] —Alberts upon assuming the UNO job
Alberts made the controversial decision to eliminate football and wrestling in an effort to bring University of Nebraska-Omaha to Division I's Summit League. The regents approved the move March 25, 2011.[10]
On March 13, 2024, Texas A&M University announced that Alberts had been hired as its new athletic director, replacing Ross Bjork, who took the same position at Ohio State.[11]