Brian Westbrook: "It's Been A Great Ride"

Brian Westbrook officially retired as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles today in a ceremony held at the NovaCare complex. Westbrook played 9 years in the NFL, 8 as an Eagle, making two pro bowls and finishing as the Eagles all time franchise leader in yards from scrimmage.

He was introduced by Andy Reid who called him the smartest player he's ever coached.

"Nobody loved to play the game like Brian did," said Reid. "I mean, this guy, he could do it all. Obviously, he could run the football but he could catch the football, he could pass protect. You could split him out as a wide receiver. He could play both return games for you. This guy did it all. He'll go down as one of the all-time great Philadelphia Eagles."

Westbrook thanked Reid, his college coach Andy Talley and a number of his former teammates. But he also was sure to thank the fans.

"To the Eagles fans, thank you for all of the memories. You're the best fans in the world and I hope the passion that I played with on the field and how I carried myself off of the field represented you guys well and made you guys proud. Thank you for all of the cheers, the love, [and] the support through the ups and downs of my career. We had a lot of good times and I appreciate that.

Lastly, he summed his career as good as anyone could have.

"Lastly, when I think of myself, I think of Brian Westbrook from Fort Washington, Maryland to DeMatha [Catholic High School] injuries, to Villanova injuries, [and] to Philadelphia injuries. All of the good days [and] all of the bad days. A third round pick who was too small, who would only be a special teams player, to an All-Pro, to a two-time Pro Bowl selection, [and] to the franchise leader in total yards from scrimmage. It's been a great ride and I thank all of you people and everyone that has been here with me every step of the way. Thank you."

There no doubt he's one of the great all time Eagles and as one of the guys that was the driving force behind the era I really grew into a diehard Eagles fan, he'll always hold a high place in my personal sports memory.

For more on Brian Westbrook's retirement check out our Villanova site, VUHoops.