Westbrook: I'm not retiring
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Westbrook: I'm not retiring
Daily News staff
Brian Westbrook, released yesterday by the Eagles after eight seasons, said he has no plans to retire and has already heard from three or four teams that are interested in his services. He also said he is "completely healed" from the two concussions he suffered this past season.
Westbrook made his first public comments since his release in a radio interview with 97.5 The Fanatic this morning.
"My plan is not to retire," he said. "My plan is to continue to play football. I’ve already startred training for next season. That doesn’t necessarily mean there are teams that will pick me up ... I’m going to put all my effort into [returning]. I will make a return to the NFL. It will just not be with the Philadelphia Eagles."
Westbrook said it had not really sunk in yet that he was no longer with the Eagles.
“It’s a difficult thing, but at the same time I’m happy for the past 8 years that I’ve had there," Westbrook said. "I’m also happy for the opportunity to continue to play football. There are 32 teams out there. Unfortunately, I was not able to finish my career in Philadelphia. Hopefully, I’ll have an opportunity to play for another team.”
Westbrook said the first he heard about being released was when he received a phone call from Andy Reid yesterday. He said there had been no discussions about his returning to the team at a reduced price. Westbrook, who missed eight games last season, was scheduled to make $7.25 million next season.
"No one ever really hinted at that. They didn’t discuss it," Westbrook said about a potential pay cut. "The first thing I heard about being released or anything was yesterday. I got the phone call yesterday and he said we’re going to release you. I said, OK. Really other than that, there was no other communication between me and the team about possibly taking a pay cut or anything like that. It was just, ‘we’re going to release you.’ I guess in their mindset it gives me the opportunity to latch on with another team through free agency and I appreciate that."
Asked if he would have considered taking a pay cut, Westbrook said, "I think that was probably a possibility. At this point, it’s a moot point. I’m not sure to be honest. I didn’t get that opportunity. They did give me an opportunity to become a free agent at the beginning of the free agency period, which I appreciate. I didn’t have opportunity to even consider coming back at a reduced point. In one way, that’s fair and in another way, I wish they would have given me the opportunity."
Westbrook said he understood the team's decision.
"In this game, a lot of people say there is no loyalty. In a way, there is and in a way there is some loyalty," he said. "The Eagles have given me a lot of opportunities to be succesful in the NFL. In this day and age, it is hard for teams to keep veterans, especially aging veterans at a high salary number, when they can get younger players potentially to fill those same needs for the money a little bit cheaper. It's hard for teams to do that, epecially when a guy has battled injuries for the last year and a half or so the way I have. I underastnad that, I comlpetely do. I wish I would have had the opportunity to finish things a little bit better than I did in Philadelphia. Now, I have the opportunity to finish up with another team. I saw last year with the Brian Dawkins thing. For the Eagles, it’s definitely a business situation. I understand that. I understand the business and I accept it as that."
Westbrook said he has talked to Reid, general manager Howie Roseman and several assistant coaches. He said he has not talked to team president Joe Banner or owner Jeffrey Lurie, but said he "would love to talk to them at any point when they are free."
Westbrook also thanked the fans and his teammates.
"I am grateful for the time I spent in Philadelphia," he said. "I really appreciate all the support I was able to gain from all the fans, especially, my teammates and friends and coaches as well. It was a great experience, a great eight years. I'm thankful to Coach Reid for giving my the opportunity and to the fans for bringing me and accepting me into their homes and cheering me on week in and week out for 8 years."
eddie spagetti- What you say may seems logical but you forget Shan reunites himself with Portis and I don't see BW playing backup to him.— realtruth- They will miss the blitz pickup of #36, personally I'm not fully sold on McCoy in that area but time will tell what he turns out to be.— realtruth
- Thanks for giving us your heart and soul for 8 years Brian. Every time you were in the game you gave us a chance to win and you can't ask for more than that. Retire and save your body. At 55 all my sports injuries are starting to creep up on me and I didn't even play pro sports. Relax and enjoy your money.— flabird1954
- How could the eagles not even negotiate with westbrook? other veteran eagles get hurt and the front office keeps them. Other good players like westbrook or dawkins get hurt or have one poor season and they are out. Did you see Westbrook catch his last screen pass with the eagles when he went for 27 yards. That is a sign that the guy still has capabilities. The eagles should have negotiated to lower his contract. Another team is going to use him as mainly a recieving back. Maybe Brad Childress will take him to Minnesota.— fjulio
- Go Westie, here's hope you can hook up with a coach that has some flexibility and creativity and knows how to make the most of your remaining skills and experience, instead of Coach "Do iT OVER AND OVER THE SAME WAY". You won't be the first running back with concussion problems that the Eagles bailed out on and went on to better things.— atp2007
Comment removed.- Wouldnt be surprised if he ended up with Shannahan in Washington and the WC offense. A leageue minmum salary with performance incentives would be a win win for all. Brian is from that area and could rejoin his brother and be his designated driver.— Eddie Spaghetti
- It seems there are certain negative "implications" regarding the manner in which the Eagles treated Westbrook. However, it was my understanding that when asked on several occasions, and as reported by philly sports, Westbrook stated he wasn't sure if he was or was not going to retire. If this is true, wouldn't it seem logical that Westbrook was responsible for clearly expressing his intentions to the Eagles? In the absence of a qualified "yes" or "no" the Eagles are in the untenable position of "waiting" while the draft is right around the corner. I hate to see him leave as well, but the underlying message is that the Eagles are guilty 100% of the time in how they handle/treat these situations. Granted, they're north of 50% on this issue, but i'm not yet convinced this is one of those occasions?— onedayer
- B. West has PLENTY of productivity left in his gas tank. Please score 2 TD's next year against the Beagles.— zen
- Cens - are you kidding? Ali is the poster child for what successive concussions can do to you. BW should take his cash and get on the sports talk circuit.— Pedro Martinez
- A very classy Guy. Hopefully he has been prudent with his money. After two severe concussions, and numerous other injuries, its time to retire. But lets be fair, the Eagles used him up. He was THE offense for many years, and the hits took their toll. In my opinion, the lack of a big back who could be used as a short yard, between the tackles, hastened bwest's injuries.— brightmoments99
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- class act screwed by a classless organization— soliteryman
- the business of the nfl is like the aburd realities of business in America....the market overhypes the value of some and instead of having fair wage scales we end up with the ridiculous auctions for talent and then the reality of overpricing the talent once a certain age is reached.— retzlaff
- Class personified, thanks Brian, very proud of you as a player and a man!— JBP
- If he is a healthy I can see Minnesota picking him up as a backup for AP, being that Brad Childress is very familiar with Bwest!!!— mizzamillions
- It says here Brian Westbrook was the greatest Eagle ever.— jimmyeagles
- ite483 there is no way the Eagles sign Bush or LT, Bush is gonna go for the money and LT has hit the same wall as Westbrook it's called age 30 seems to be a death sentence for RB. You have to go for youth when looking for RB and you find that in the draft.— K_Ball
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- Ripping a guy for ripping a guy all the while calling him a p.o.s is a bit hypocritical, don't you think?— Jimmy2times
- What about the Eagles honoring their contract? It must be nice to play on both sides.— Nothing but the truth
- Brian you'll be an asset where ever you play. You carried the team when it was necessary. It will be tough to see you in another uniform. Thanks for the hope and the memories. Stay healthy.— rbrooksct
- 5Mustbeanidiot.... Westbrook had 1308 rushes for 5995 yards and 426 receptions for 3790 yards. You do know that screen passes count as receptions, not rushes, right?!?!?— amg
- "Clem" I seriously recommend buying your daughter a McNabb Jersey!!!— John663
its reid and the front office who should be let go- Thank You Brian Westbrook!!— par427
- westbrook has been the mvp on this team for the past several years he should at least been given the opportunity to prove himself next season McNabb gets chance after chance and never delivers good luck westbrook i wish you the best and thank you for carring us when nobody else could
- I said it in another blog on BWest...I bought a DAwkins Jersey for my (then) 11 yr old daughter and the next yer he is gone....then I decided to buy her a Westbrook jersey (after he was said to be coming back next year)....I don't think I will buy any more Eagles Jerseys for my daughter!— Clem
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- Thanks Brian! You play with so much heart. I love watching you play football and the Philadelphia Eagles was honored to have you on the team. God Bless!— sayit
- Wow, he couldn't have handled it with more grace. That was class. All the best for your health Brian and thanks for giving so much to the Eagles.
- Hard to believe it's over here for Brian, does anyone think McCoy is remotely capable of replacing him? Aside from the journalists and the Eagles front office? I know, it's getting harder to tell them apart.— tom c.
- hey nuggett, out of the older veterans they've released/not signed, Dawk was the only one that could still play. Say what you want, but the birds know when to release players.— palmyra21
- Classic example of who really run$ that team. Reid is similar to a tv news anchor, a talking head that reads from a teleprompter.— PhilMar
- West 36 is class all around. I wish more players were like him in the way they conduct themselves on the field and off. It's a shame he had the injuries over the years. I would love to have seen him get a few more records such as rushing. I hope his health holds so he has no long-term side-effects.— John663
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- Brian Westbrook is the greatest human being ever to walk the earth.— p-diddy
Great move on the Eagles part. Brian is going to have more concussions and more easily as time goes on. Anyone remember Eric Lindros? Goodbye BW, nice knowing you.- Eagles strike agian.....the jury is out till we see if he plays this season.....BDawk showed they were wrong....and we'll see if they were right about BWest....it is another money call.....but thne that is what this organization is about....money...NOT winning it all....Thank YOU JEff...— nuggett
- I think he can still be used as a 2nd back for many teams.— ChrisM
- why wouldn't the eagles keep him at a reduced price and convert him to a receiver.— shipes34
- Sometimes I wish an athlete would consider the health ramifications first. Brian was an extremely talented player, but the time has come to start a new phase of his career. In fact, I believe that the Eagles made mention of that. BE SMART! Your only 30 and you don't want to suffer the remainder of your life. Not a good example to show children who admire you.— mortgage_wizard
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- Thank You for everything Brian. You were one of the best! I have enjoyed every snap of your career and always felt that you never got what you deserved from the front office. You were one of the top 3 all purpose running backs for years. I just wanted you to know that I appreciate all of the wonderful moments you brought to me and my family!— Nesta Nic
- Retire before you end up eating thru a straw and can't run around with your kids.— bobf876
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- My all-time favorite Eagle. It will make me sick to see him in another team uniform, but he's gotta do what's right for his career. I hope he doesn't have any more head injuries. Would love to see him come back to the eagles as a coach, like Andy hinted.— TGRE
- I think the Eagles have something up there sleeve on this one...they may be thinking Reggie Bush...or LT! We'll See...Sorry to See BWEST go though! My gut says He's still going to be productive somewhere!— ite483
- hate the business of sports. BWest, thanks for the memories. I'll still wear your jersey next season...— aud
- i really don't see westbrook fitting in as well with any other team in the nfl. andy knew how to use him perfectly in his style of offense, i just don't see teams utilizing him in the same way to get the most out of his skills...but that's just me. good luck westbrook! thanks so much for everything you will always be remembered here in philly was one of the best runningbacks ever.— phillyphan55
