Brian Westbrook concerned about the future
by JasonB on Dec 9, 2009 5:51 PM EST
in Philadelphia Eagles News
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PrintBrian Westbrook was a guest on HBO's Joe Buck live to talk about about the season and concussions in the NFL. It was Westbrook's first public interview since suffering his second concussion this year and he admitted that he was "really scared" about his future in the game.
"I'm very concerned just because there is not a lot of data that says in 10 years or 20 years you'll be fine if you had too many concussions," he said. "I'm worried about that, and, hopefully, next time I go out there I don't have to worry about it anymore.
"That's my biggest concern. How am I going to be when I'm 50 or when I'm 60? Will I have all these brain diseases and will I have a problem remembering things? . . . Now, I'm trying to get myself together with the help of the doctors as well as coach [Andy] Reid and the training staff. Now, the most important thing is to get 100 percent healthy - and not play football . . . until I'm 100 percent healthy."
Almost as important as Westbrook getting physically healthy, he's going to need to be emotionally and mentally healthy as well. Football isn't a game you can play scared. If there's any position you really can be playing scared, it's running back. Westbrook is going to hit, probably on his head, time after time. That's the life of a running back. If he's worried about his health, that's bound to affect his ability to be successful. I'm not for a moment saying he's wrong to worry, but that doesn't mean it isn't a problem.
Either way, it was interesting to hear an athlete speak so candidly about the subject. So often, these guys have nothing to say outside of tired cliches. I appreciate a guy speaking his mind. Westbrook did say at a news conference today that he heard encouraging things from the doctors.
"What I learned from the doctors is that I wouldn't have a higher risk of getting a concussion if I come back after healing completely," Westbrook said. "That's the No. 1 thing, you have to heal completely before you come back."
He also said that he expects to play this season and is still committed to the game and the team.
"I think the only pressure I have is me wanting to go back out there and play the game," he said. "I want to come back because I think I can help this team win some football games. Of course, our final goal is to win the Super Bowl, and I definitely want to be a part of that."
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We have to sit him for this giants game until he's 100%
It seems way to selfish of me to say that he should play at this point.
"It's unfortunate that happened. That's no excuse. Absolutely no excuse."
-Andy Reid
by immynimmy on Dec 9, 2009 6:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions
We have to sit him for this giants game until he's 100%
It seems way to selfish of me to say that he should play at this point.
"It's unfortunate that happened. That's no excuse. Absolutely no excuse."
-Andy Reid
by immynimmy on Dec 9, 2009 6:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions
he should be worried
hope he retires as an eagle cause he wont be back next year
eff you we winning anyway
it would be nice to have him fresh for the playoffs.
i know everyone wants him to retire. but i would like to see him in there. the guy pass protects like a beast, let mccoy take the carries, put westbrook in on passing downs. limit his time, and pick the best spots to exploit mismatches.
"it's like i tell my ex-wife, i never drive faster than i can see, and besides it's all in the reflexes." -Jack Burton, Big trouble in little China
Exactly
I would love to see Westbrook back on 3rd down situations. Eagles have generally struggled on 3rd down conversion this year in part to missing what Westbrook brings to the table (e.g., blitz pickup, ability to chip rusher & serve as a check down option, and his ability to make things happen on screens). Can’t remember the last time that Reid basically ditched his section of the playbook on screens. I would be willing to bet the Eagles have run less screens this year than any time since Westbrook took over as the starting RB.
Its not that I want him to retire but at the end of the day it might be what is best for him health wise.
It would be nice to keep him around to compliment McCoy but I think its fair to say that Westbrook is somewhat of a liability. If we could keep him cheap so he can retire as an Eagle, I would be happy with that.
In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard.
-Theodore Roosevelt
IM really going to miss Westbrook
If we won the SB there’s two people who should get a ring and that would be Brian Dawkins and Brian Westbrook. Westbrook pretty much tore it up week in and week out and came with no bad baggage. Much love Brian do what you want to do
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
Anyways...
aren’t there like five rings the team can give out to people that weren’t a part of their team. I know Indy did that with Edge.
by eaglemaniac814 on Dec 9, 2009 8:40 PM EST up reply actions
Brian Westbrook
One man who does not have to prove he’s tough, so he can say things like this without being worried about being called out by the Hines Wards’ of the world. If Westbrook doesn’t play another down, he’ll be remembered as the best Eagle RB I’ve ever seen, and likely ever will.
"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." - Bear Bryant
Westbrook
Honestly, lets hope he comes back 100% I dont want him to come back only to get re-injure n really lose him completely. Last year with a bum ankle he beat the giants n beat Minnesota on a screen pass. So as long as he is back for the playoff we r good.
this sounds like retirement to me
And i totally agree with this
If there’s any position you really can be playing scared, it’s running back.
Call it a career Bwest
Dont Disrespect the Level
I have always called Westbrook patchwork because as far as I am concerned he holds the world record for getting back on the horse even when it seems impossible to do. If anyone can come back from a concussion it is him. Duce Staley had a glass jaw, he was out and in and out again every game almost. Patchwork don’t rush things and be patient, you will heal and come back with more confidence than ever before.
You can't soar with the Eagles when you're surrounded by turkeys.
by Aeries god of soar on Dec 10, 2009 10:55 AM EST reply actions
I want him to do what’s best for him, healthwise. But if he’s comfortable playing, then yeah, I want him in there for (presuming we make) the playoffs. If he can and wants to continue his career, awesome.
But, if it’s a choice of hangin’ it up now or hugely increased risk of brain damage, then he should do what’s best for himself.
Head Injury treatment
Does anybody know what kind of therapy Westbrook is doing for his concussions? I wonder if acupuncture would be appropriate. In China, it’s considered one of the best treatments for both stroke and serious brain injuries—especially if it is administered soon after the stroke or trauma.
by GreenCarpenter on Dec 11, 2009 10:59 PM EST reply actions
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