The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Tuesday that former running back Brian Westbrook will retire as a member of the team.
Westbrook will hold a Wednesday morning press conference and will officially be honored at Lincoln Field prior to a game with the Washington Redskins on Dec. 23.
Westbrook made sure to thank Philly fans via Twitter after the team announced the news.
“Thank you everyone!” he wrote. “It was a great pleasure to be an Eagle for 8 years. I truly appreciate all of the support! Love you guys.”
The versatile Villanova product becomes the third former Eagle this summer to retire with the organization, joining teammates Brian Dawkins and Tra Thomas.
In eight years with the Birds, Westbrook rushed for
5,995 yards and 37 touchdowns while adding 3,790 receiving yards and another 29 scores. He was a key part of the 2004-05 team that won the NFC Championship before falling to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX.
The Eagles’ third-round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, Westbrook enjoyed his best season in 2007, rushing for a career-high 1,333 yards and seven touchdowns on 278 carries.
He never eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau again as injuries slowed him down, leading the Eagles to eventually release him on March 5, 2010.
However, his place in city lore remains firm.
“I will always remember Brian for the electrifying, game-changing plays he made during his great career in Philadelphia,” Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said in a release. “He was one of those players you knew could score from anywhere on the field and one of the most exciting players I have ever watched. He was a great runner, receiver and returner and was certainly a fan favorite.”
Westbrook was selected to two Pro Bowls (2004 and 2007) and was named First-team All-Pro in 2007.
He last played in the NFL in 2010 with the San Francisco 49ers.
