Eagles Fans React To Brian Westbrook's Release

Brian Westbrook started out his Eagles career as an underdog and an afterthought, so it's no surprise that as he evolved into one of the best running backs in football, the Phlly fans that supported him felt personally invested in his success. For a while there, he was their little secret. The 5'8, 180-pound running back that was quietly the team's most valuable player on offense. How can you not love a player like that?

Over at SB Nation's Eagles blog, Bleeding Green Nation, the instant reaction is sad but unsurprised, as the Eagles prepare to usher in a new era of stars:

Sad, although not entirely unexpected news. Westbrook was scheduled to make over $7 million next season, which is obviously something no team would considering paying for the level of production he's likely capable of. It's an unfortunate reality of the NFL. It's amazing to see both Brian Westbrook and LaDainian Tomlinson released within a day of one another, when just 2 or 3 seasons ago people were debating which of the two was the most dangerous all around back in the game... But that's the life of an NFL running back. Unlike a lot of positions, these guys don't generally have a slow decline.

There's no doubt that we've entered a new era of Eagles football. With Brian Dawkins last year and Brian Westbrook gone this year, two of the best players of the last generation of Eagles are gone. This leaves only Donovan McNabb & David Akers from the 2004 superbowl team.

For more on this news and all things Eagles, head over to Bleeding Green Nation.