Just a day after LaDainian Tomlinson was released by the San Diego Chargers, another veteran running back was cut from his team.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook was released from the team he started his career with way back in 2002.
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 since then spent much time injured. Last year he missed eight games with concussions and ankle injuries, scoring just two touchdowns.
Westbrook was due to make $7.5 million next season but coupled with his age and injuries, the Eagles had no other choice but to part ways with the running back.
"I think we all know that Brian is one of the all-time great Philadelphia Eagles, 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,” coach Andy Reid said.
Reid thinks Westbrook still has the desire to play the game but whether a team will pursue the veteran is another matter considering his age and past injuries.
"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,” Reid said.
Those perceived lack of weaknesses are part of the reason he has rushed for 5,995 yards in eight seasons in Philadelphia catching 426 passes for 3,790 yards. The 30-year-old Westbrook has scored 68 touchdowns rushing, receiving and on punt returns.
He was a third-round pick out of Villanova in 2002 and is Philadelphia's career leader in yards from scrimmage (9,785). He also ranks second in yards rushing (5,995) behind Wilbert Montgomery and third in receptions (426) behind Harold Carmichael and Pete Retzlaff.
He also eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark 20 times during his career, tying for second-most in club history.
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