Sad day as Eagles release Brian Westbrook

The Philadelphia Eagles announced they will release one of my favourite players, running back Brian Westbrook, less than 24 hours after LaDainian Tomlinson was cut by the Chargers. "Brian is one of the greatest Eagles of all time and he is even a better person and leader," said head coach Andy Reid on the team's website. "In my mind, there has not been a more versatile running back that the NFL has seen. I had a conversation with Brian this morning to let him know. This is by far the most difficult part of this job. We wanted to make this move now in order to maximize Brian's chances of landing with another NFL team."

Westbrook will leave with more yards from scrimimage (9,785) than anyone in Eagles history. His best year came in 2007 when he rushed for a career-best 1,333 yards while catching 90 balls for 771 yards; his 2,104 yards from scrimmaged paced the league that year. But Westbrook suffered through the least productive season since his rookie year in 2009, a victim of recurring concussion problems. He played in just eight games and managed just 455 yards from scrimimage. I understand why it happened but that doesn't make it any easier to take. Brian was the heart and soul of the team. All the fans will miss you Brian.

Michael Vick Transforms From Turkey To Eagle

People may wonder why there are so many sports stories on my blog. Not that many people of course, because it is only my blog, and not from some celebrity. But sports is my passion and always has been. So many lessons for life can be learn on the sports field. Some good and some bad, bu many times if we wait long enough, even some of the bad ones have a happy ending.

This brings me to the rehabilitation and repatriation of the disgraced Michael Dwayne Vick former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and convicted criminal. He was signed the Philadelphia Eagles by coach Andy Reid amidst much soul-searching and public outcry, on both sides. Let me state from the beginning that what Michael Vick and his associates did to dogs was appalling, inhuman and cruel. I cannot imagine treating any living thing that way, so I am mystified why a man such as he could fall into such depravity.

But I do believe in redemption, in second chances. I have been given many in my life and I would be a total hypocrite not wanting another chance for someone else. The jury is out that Vick is sincere and has learned his lesson, that much is self-evident. However, everybody, in matters of trivia or significance will at some time ask for forgiveness. My God tells me I must do so, and frankly I want to.

So Michael, with some reservations about the depth of your character, play well for my beloved Eagles. Do Andy, Donovan, Tony, your teammates, your family and yourself proud. The others deserve it and you need it. Prove yourself as the man you could have always been. Redemption is truly sweet!

Eagles coach dead at 68

Jim Johnson, the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator died today after battling a cancerous tumour on his spine. He was the heart and soul of the team I follow and will be sorely missed. All of a sudden a promising season ahead has a very black cloud directly before it. We fans will miss you Jimmy. Thank you for being the best and giving us your best.