Westbrook Says Thank You, Retires An Eagle
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – It was a different kind of retirement speech than we heard from Tra Thomas and Brian Dawkins in recent months. There were no tears from Brian Westbrook as he spoke to the media Wednesday morning, but he was clearly thankful for his experience in Philadelphia.
Westbrook signed his one-day contract with the Eagles, and will be honored on December 23rd, during halftime of a game against the Redskins. As he closed the book on his career, one of the greatest in Eagles history, he said thank you ... to just about everyone.
Andy Reid introduced Westbrook, saying he's never coached a player who is smarter. "He could do it all, goes down as one of great all-time Eagles," Reid said.
"It's a humbling experience to be here to today. I spent eight good years, of my best years, of my life, playing for the Eagles," Westbrook said. He thanked his coaches and the Eagles organization, which he called the best in the league.
PHOTOS: Brian Westbrook's career as an Eagle.
Westbrook thanked former teammates like Brian Dawkins, Duce Staley and Donovan McNabb, who he called the "greatest quarterback" Philadelphia has ever seen.
Westbrook thanked his family, the fans, and even the cafeteria workers who served him in his eight years with the team. "To the Eagles fans, thank you for the memories. You're the greatest fans in the world," Westbrook said.
Westbrook noted that his most cherished moment as an Eagle was his legendary punt return for a touchdown vs. the Giants in 2003, known to fans as the second Miracle In The Meadowlands.
Westbrook played in 107 games (85 starts) in eight seasons with the Eagles from 2002-09. He currently ranks second in franchise annals in rushing yards (5,995), and third in receptions (426) and total touchdowns (68). Among Eagles running backs all-time, he tops the list in receptions, receiving yards (3,790) and receiving touchdowns (29). In addition, Westbrook played in 11 playoff games with the team, ranking first in club history in career rushing yards (591) and total touchdowns (6).
