Westbrook speaks
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Westbrook speaks
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Brian Westbrook said today that has no plans on retiring and that his agent has already fielded "three or four" calls from interested teams.
A day after his release, the former Eagles running back broke his silence and spoke to 97.5 The Fanatic. Westbrook was nothing but respectful to the organization and said that he harbored no hard feelings toward the Eagles.
Coach Andy Reid delivered the news to Westbrook yesterday morning. The running back said it was the first time he had heard anything about being released. He said that he had not heard from owner Jeffrey Lurie or team president Joe Banner, although both members of the front office did deliver comments praising Westbrook yesterday.
Westbrook said that he did speak with new general manager Howie Roseman and several coaches, aside from Reid.
"For the Eagles, it's a business situation and I understand that," said Westbrook, who was due to make $7.25 million on the last year of his contract.
"I think the Eagles have given me a lot of opportunities," Westbrook said. "It's hard for teams to keep veterans at a higher [salary] ... especially for a guy that has battled injuries like I have."
Reid said the Eagles released Westbrook when they did so they he would have the opportunity to latch on with another team. Westbrook certainly hopes to continue playing and said that he would entertain offers from any team, including NFC East rivals like the Cowboys or Giants.
"I will make a return to the NFL," he said, adding: "My plan is to continue to play football. ... I've already started training."
Westbrook confirmed that the Eagles had not asked him about taking a pay cut. He said he would have come back next season at a lower price had there been an offer.
Westbrook thanked the Philadelphia fans for their support.
"It's starying to hit me that I won't be going back with those guys that I've played with," Westbrook said. "It's a difficult thing but at the same time I'm happy for the last eight years I've had there. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to end my career in Philadelphia."
Audio: Listen to the Westbrook interview
Comment removed.
He did not say he would come back at a reduced rate, he simply said that it was a possibility that he would have like to have been given the opportunity to consider. He did not say that he would have agreed to it. Please don't misquote.— JMick1215- he is damaged goods, and damaged goods must go— Charlie1218
I'll say it again. I really hope Brian listens to his body and stops playing. The knees and ankles are bad enough. The brain issues are scarier though. I don't want to see him get blasted wearing another team's colors. It just wouldn't be right- IIIIIIII love a parade— aman1711
- rustypop....it would be even worse if he got blasted by BDawk when the Broncos played the GMen (a little puke just came up at the thought of BWest in Giants Uni)...— JMick1215
- Good Luck BWest... As usual, you continue to be a class act, even in the moments of disappointment. You'll never have to pay for a drink in Philly. Just don't sign with the VaGiants or Dallas.— phillyinATL
- who wrote this article?? dont they have spell check??— Wise_Owl
- Comment removed.
- Westbrook will latch on to another team ,get his head tapped the 1st game and fake like he had another concussion only to get his full years salary. He's no different than the Andrew sisters.— mainstreet
- Surprised he wasn't given the offer of a pay cut instead prior to this. Clearly they think he's totally shot. I hope he proves them wrong because it would have been nice to see him back here next year as the backup on a reduced contract.— Realistic One
- Does it occur to anyone else that the Eagles are really setting themselves up for a major makeover via free agency? Even in an uncapped year, no team has unlimited resources (well, maybe the Cowboys) and while the Eagles haven't done this in the past, it seems that they could really re-invent that defense (and, perhaps, O-line) under the new rules and with Westbrook, Vick, Howard, etc. coming off the books and Stacy Andrews practically begging to re-structure his deal. There's money to spend and no rules prohibiting it...only question is, I guess, will they???— jmk1512
- Brian, your career IS over. Move on, and Enjoy the rest of your life.— oldhat
- Hey "mainstreet"...I hope someone taps YOUR head.....with a lead pipe....repeatedly.— TBear
- Players and owners have no loyalty to each other any longer. Its a business and if the business decision means saving money to ensure other quality player that are younger will stay...so be it. No one cares when the average blue collar workers get laid off and thats how is sitting at the games. DIfference is, financially he has nothing to worry about. Its just a job even though I hate to hear it.— crush77
- I really need Jeff McLane to re-read his work and do a grammar check, SHEESH!!! This is horrible! "Brian Westbrook said today that has no plans..." / "Reid said the Eagles released Westbrook when they did so they he would have the opportunity..." / "It's starying to hit me that I won't be going back"...... And JMick 1215 is absolutely correct, don't misquote BWest.— quietstorm78
- Here is the real question, is McCoy good enough to put up Westbrook type numbers? The Eagles need a healthy veteran RB to share the load with McCoy. You can't put that pressure on a second year back nor one drafted to be his backup. There will be some surprise backs by March 5th available.— The Marco Islander
- Hey crush, loyalty went out the window when free agency was born!— oldhat
- NUGGETT IS RIGHT. THE EAGLES ARE TOO CHEAP. WE WILL ALWAYS BE GOOD BUT NEVER GET A S.B. I AM SO SICK OF SUPPORTING THIS LOSER ORGANIZATION. WE GOT BEAT AT SAFETY ALL YEAR LONG BUT DAWK WASNT GOOD ENOUGH TO EVEN TALK TO. WE WILL NEVER HAVE BRAGGING RIGHTS OVER THE COWBOYS AND THAT SUCKS!!! ONLY TEAM IN THE EAST THAT WILL NEVER HAVE A SB.— MCEAGLEFAN5
- Comment removed.
