In what was somewhat of an expected, yet extremely stunning move, the Eagles announced the release of veteran RB Brian Westbrook (pictured). He will finish his career in Philadelphia as one of the best to ever wear midnight green, and the holder of various franchise records. Despite his success, recent injuries and a large payment total for the 2010 season caused the Birds to make a tough financial decision and rid of the aging Running Back. The move ironically comes a day after the Chargers cut their own star rusher, LaDainian Tomlinson, who was considered–like Westbrook–among the league’s elite only a few seasons ago.

While the news of Westbrook’s departure was partially expected by the fan base, there is no doubt that the move hurts. Not only will the Eagles lose some knowledgeable leadership and thrilling offensive qualities, but they will also toss away a player who provided the team with some unforgettable memories over the years. A hard worker off the field and a respectable character, Westbrook’s legacy will always be remembered.

“Brian is one of the greatest Eagles of all time and he is even a better person and leader,” head coach Andy Reid said. “In my mind, there has not been a more versatile running back that the NFL has seen. I had a conversation with Brian this morning to let him know. This is by far the most difficult part of this job. We wanted to make this move now in order to maximize Brian’s chances of landing with another NFL team.”

In 8 strong seasons, Westbrook–who was selected in the 3rd round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of Villanova–compiled 9,785 yards from scrimmage, a franchise record. He also gained enough rushing yards (5,995) to earn a spot as the Eagles’ second-best rusher of all-time. Among his other notable achievements were his 426 receptions (3rd in team history), which included one season in which he recorded a franchise-record 90 catches. He went to a pair of Pro-Bowls, one of which came during the Super Bowl season of 2004, and also led the league in all-purpose yards in the 2007 campaign

Team president Joe Banner had this to say regarding Westbrook: “We all know how valuable Brian was as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and he will certainly go down as one of the greatest Eagles of all time. But what really showed me how special a person Brian is, was watching the way he interacted with my children. That said more to me about Brian than anything else he could have done on the playing field. We will miss him both as a person and as a player.”

The fact that he was only able to play in 8 games during this past season because of several concussions and other injuries likely assisted in the Eagles’ decision to let him go. His on-field production has also declined, and his age was an obvious factor in determining his long-term future with the club.

“Brian Westbrook is one of the most electric players in the history of this franchise and is certainly also one of the most popular,” said Eagles’ owner Jeffrey Lurie. “He was personally one of the my favorite players to watch each and every Sunday and his playmaking abilities, leadership and values will be missed.”

(picture source)



3 Comments

shocking? do you really think so?

Like I said in the article…it was an “expected, yet extremely stunning move”

true, it was certainly stunning to read

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