Brian Westbrook to retire as member of the Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles announced Tuesday morning that former running back Brian Westbrook will retire as a member of the team.

Westbrook will speak at a press confrence Wednesday morning at 11:30 a.m. The Eagles will officially honor him at Lincoln Financial Field during the December 23 game against the Washington Redskins.

Westbrook thanked Philadelphia fans via Twitter after the news was announced Wednesday morning:

"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 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 Eagles, Westbrook rushed for 5,995 yards and 37 touchdowns while adding 3,790 receiving yards and another 29 touchdowns and was part of the 2004-05 team that won the NFC championship before falling to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX.

"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.

VIDEO: Take a look at some of Westbrook's greatest moments.