Former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook will become the latest standout to retire with the team on Wednesday.
Westbrook, who played eight seasons (2002-2009) for the Eagles, will officially announce his retirement during a ceremony at the NovaCare Complex. In addition, he will be honored at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 23 during halftime of the Eagles' game against Washington.
"I will always remember Brian for the electrifying, game-changing plays he made during his great career in Philadelphia," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said Tuesday in a statement. " 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 will become the third member of the Eagles Super Bowl team from 2004 to formally retire this year, following safety Brian Dawkins and tackle Tra Thomas. Dawkins also had his No. 20 retired and will be honored at the Linc on the Sept. 23 during the Eagles' game against the New York Giants.
Westbrook, who played one seasons (2010) with San Francisco, was regarded as one of the NFL's most versatile running backs during his tenure with the Eagles. A third-round draft pick from Villanova University, he finished his career with the Eagles as the franchise leader in total yards from scrimmage (9,785). He currently ranks second in career rushing yards (5,995), third in receptions (426) and third in touchdowns (68).
He is one of six players in NFL history to score 30 or more rushing (41) and receiving (30) touchdowns in a career. In 2007, he led the league with 2,104 yards from scrimmage while making his second Pro Bowl.
Westbrook also returned two punts for touchdowns, highlighted by his sensational, 84-yard return for a TD late in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants on Oct. 19, 2003 that became known as "Miracle of the Meadowlands II."
