Eagles release running back Brian Westbrook
Article By Associated Press on 23rd February, 2010
Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA — Brian Westbrook could break open a game from almost anywhere on the field.
Lined up in the slot, he could run a slant, beat a linebacker and take off with no one able to catch No. 36. His defining moment with the Philadelphia Eagles came on an 84-yard punt return that stunned the New York Giants in 2003.
Out of the backfield, he was a 1,000-yard rusher who always kept defenses guessing — and flailing.
But in his later years, it was injuries that defined Westbrook more than his dynamic offensive skills. His age, salary and lengthy list of beaten body parts led the Eagles to release him Tuesday and save the team $7.5 million due next year.
"I think we all know that Brian is one of the all-time great Philadelphia Eagles," coach Andy Reid said. "For what we've done here over the years, Brian has been just a huge part of building this program to the level that we're at now. My heart will always be a Brian Westbrook fan as we go forward here."
A former All-Pro, the 5-foot-10 Westbrook led the league in yards from scrimmage in 2007 with 2,104. He rushed for 1,333 yards and accounted 12 touchdowns that season.
But he spent much of last season on the sidelines, missing eight games with a pair of concussions and an ankle injury. Westbrook had only two touchdowns in 2009.
Reid said he called Westbrook with the news Tuesday morning. Reid said Westbrook should still have an opportunity to play for another team. Reid said he thinks Westbrook still wants to play.
"I don't know that for a fact, but I think he might want to do that," Reid said.
LeSean McCoy, who rushed for 637 yards with four touchdowns in 16 games as a rookie, will become Philadelphia's No. 1 running back.
"That's who's going to take the ball from here,&...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
Lined up in the slot, he could run a slant, beat a linebacker and take off with no one able to catch No. 36. His defining moment with the Philadelphia Eagles came on an 84-yard punt return that stunned the New York Giants in 2003.
Out of the backfield, he was a 1,000-yard rusher who always kept defenses guessing — and flailing.
But in his later years, it was injuries that defined Westbrook more than his dynamic offensive skills. His age, salary and lengthy list of beaten body parts led the Eagles to release him Tuesday and save the team $7.5 million due next year.
"I think we all know that Brian is one of the all-time great Philadelphia Eagles," coach Andy Reid said. "For what we've done here over the years, Brian has been just a huge part of building this program to the level that we're at now. My heart will always be a Brian Westbrook fan as we go forward here."
A former All-Pro, the 5-foot-10 Westbrook led the league in yards from scrimmage in 2007 with 2,104. He rushed for 1,333 yards and accounted 12 touchdowns that season.
But he spent much of last season on the sidelines, missing eight games with a pair of concussions and an ankle injury. Westbrook had only two touchdowns in 2009.
Reid said he called Westbrook with the news Tuesday morning. Reid said Westbrook should still have an opportunity to play for another team. Reid said he thinks Westbrook still wants to play.
"I don't know that for a fact, but I think he might want to do that," Reid said.
LeSean McCoy, who rushed for 637 yards with four touchdowns in 16 games as a rookie, will become Philadelphia's No. 1 running back.
"That's who's going to take the ball from here,&...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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