Name: Robert Alberino, Jr.
Title: Vice President, Content and Production
Department: 65TPT
Years with Organization: 8 (31 in the NFL)
What role does the department play within the organization?
Our department acts as the storytellers for the team. We have just under 30 women and men of all levels who write, produce, edit, and create for the Chiefs, and our work can be seen across the various platforms—both domestically and internationally—that house content for our franchise. Furthermore, we are also the live production, gameday production, photography, journalism, and on-camera talent arm for the club.
How did you first get into this line of work?
My story is very linear as I went to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA (go Dukes!) for media production and stepped out of my graduation ceremony immediately into a job 24 hours later! I began as an associate director for WTAE-ABC before heading to the Hollywood of Sports, NFL Films, as a filmmaker under the incomparable Steve Sabol, whose father founded the company. From there, I received my first offer to be a part of a team and founded the Eagles Television Network for the Philadelphia Eagles due to the brilliance and vision of Len Komoroski, who launched my and many others' careers.
Is this something you always wanted to do?
Unequivocally, this was something that I always wanted to do. I suppose I was the rare breed that knew from an early age (13) that something in production, storytelling, and the creative arts was my career destiny. I set my mind during high school to find a university that would allow me to pursue that path with passion, and the rest is history!
Who has made the biggest impact on your professional career?
There are so many people that have impacted my career, that it is simply unfair to choose one, and if I did, I would have a lot of explaining to do! It starts with my mother and father for allowing me the vision and direction to be what I wanted to be. From there, Chiefs President Mark Donovan and I have had a few stints together, and there isn't a moment that I don't learn from him about business, strategy, and leadership. After moving to San Francisco for nearly a decade, Gideon Yu became a fountain of knowledge on the next level for me. His career, experiences, and trust for his executive team helped me to realize why innovation and confidence in building teams properly is the key to success. Lastly, my wife Lisa has been my champion, and her constant belief in me, and my passions has been the rocket fuel of my career.
How does your department have the biggest impact on the organization?
The media and marketing department (the all-encompassing group which comprises the content and production team) has a massive impact on the organization as we are the conduit to the world as it pertains to the story of the team. Yes, one can watch a game and fall in love with our world-class players and coaches without the department ever having influence, but the Chiefs are so much more. The team is a mix of incredible ownership, endless stories of determination and character, heartfelt moments that need to be shared, and sometimes a smile or belly laugh at the people that make this franchise what it is. Not a frame of footage leaves this building without the talented individuals who comprise the department, and that comes with massive responsibility and pride.
What about your department are you most proud of?
I am truly proud that we are allowed to be our authentic selves. Led by our CMO, Lara Krug, the media and marketing department moves as a unit. There's a great deal going on and projects are plentiful, but each spoke in the hub of the department plays a crucial role and we operate as a team without restrictions. The best idea in the room is the best idea, and our voices are heard.
What's your favorite memory as a member of the organization?
This one is almost too easy to answer, so I will start with the lowest hanging fruit.
Being a part of a team that won back-to-back Super Bowls was the culmination of three decades of hard work. Reaching the mountaintop and staying there for such a long period of time was and is a dream come true. I pray we will continue to have success, but celebrating with the entire club from the equipment team to the players, from the coaches to the operations staff… that memory will never dim. One honorable mention, though—that I have rarely shared—is when I returned to the club in 2021 for my second tour. That morning of May 1, 2021, I walked into the front doors, which then face this curving staircase that leads to the second and third floor office spaces. I slowly and deliberately walked up those stairs, something I was hoping to get a chance to do again in my career, and with each step my chest was full of pride and excitement. I was walking towards my office, once again, and I knew the opportunity was going to offer me great things, but in my wildest dreams I didn't expect it to present what it has. Here's to creating more memories with this fabulous group of teammates.
