Brain Westbrook released by Philadelphia Eagles
February 24, 2010
Hot sports news reports the release of Brian Westbrook this Tuesday by the Philadelphia Eagles, ending up a long session of bond that was spoiled by various injuries. A former All-Pro, the 5-foot-10 Brain Westbrook led the league in yards from scrimmage in 2007 with 2,104. He rushed for 1,333 yards and accounted for 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. He was due $7.25 million next season.
Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid said he called Westbrook with the news Tuesday morning. Reid said Westbrook should still have an opportunity to play for another team. “Brian Westbrook is one of the greatest Eagles of all time and he is an even better person and leader,” Reid said.
Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid lavished praise on departing RB Brian Westbrook on Tuesday and said parting ways with the eight-year veteran was one of the most difficult things he’s had to do in the NFL. Reid said Westbrook, 30, was one of the “all-time great Philadelphia Eagles” but would not divulge the reasoning that went into cutting him. He said losing Westbrook’s combination of physical talent and acumen was what made the decision to cut him (which becomes official on March 5) so difficult: “You know what, he had no weaknesses. There wasn’t any one thing that you could pick out that he was not good at; he was brilliant. There are just certain guys that are just football smart and he was one of those guys. You never had to tell him anything more than one time and it was done and you had confidence that it was going to be done. He’s a great pass blocker, he’s a great receiver and we all know he’s a great runner. He can run inside, he can run outside, strong for his size; he was very, very strong. He gave you great flexibility there.”
Informing Brain Westbrook of his release now was done to give him more time to meet with other teams and pursue another job, Reid said. Westbrook, who suffered two concussions last season, has not committed to playing in 2010 but said he’s working hard to be able to play again.
Reid said he would welcome Westbrook back to Eagles in a non-playing capacity when he decides not to play again. Said the coach: “I have a hard time believing that there’s another running back that’s played in the National Football League that’s been as valuable to a team in so many different ways that what Brian has meant to us; both on the field and off the field. As great, and I mean I’m talking great, as great a football player as he is, as smart a football player as he is, he’s even a better person off the field.” Keep watching more for upcoming hot sports news.
Posted by Angelia Kates · Filed Under Sports News
