Brian Westbrook: Five Reasons Why He Has Become Irrelevant

It's official.  The former Philadelphia Eagle has signed a 1 year deal with the San Francisco 49ers.  

Brian Westbrook was a stud in this league not too long ago, but now finds himself happy to have a job.   This is the story of another fallen star.  

What follows are five reasons why he's suddenly become irrelevant. 

1 - Knee problems

When Westbrook played for the Eagles he rarely practiced.  His injury history is almost as long as his statistical resume.  

Abdominal strains, Lis Franc problems, cracked ribs, chest contusion, torn tricep, high ankle sprain, and an injured wrist. 

However, it was his knee that was the final nail in the coffin for the Eagles. He had his knee drained on a consistent basis during the season before it was finally described as "shot".   Anyone who followed him on a regular basis knows his quickness, high end speed, and ability to cut are not the same. 

The trainers in San Francisco might develop a closer relationship with him than his teammates.

2 - Age

Recently Westbrook joined the 30+ club.   That is bad news if you run the football for a living.   The NFL is a young man's game and if you can extend your career into your thirties you've accomplished what most cannot. 

Just ask Shaun Alexander or Ladainian Tomlinson. 

3 - It's the San Francisco 49ers

With all due respect to 49er fans, they are not a bona fide contender.   Usually players of Westbrook's status switches teams later in their career for a chance at a championship.  

Before Coffee abruptly retired, Westbrook was reportedly on his way to the St Louis Rams.   That is not a sign of someone looking to cap off an impressive career--it's indicative of someone desperate for a job.  

While the 49ers are far cry from the lowly Rams, no one is penciling them in as Super Bowl finalists.  

4 - Concussions

This training camp saw another progression in the latest concussion saga.   The league put posters up in every locker room stating in large letters "A Must Read for NFL Players,"  "Let's Take Brain Injuries Out of Play."

While the posters may just be a liability waiver for any potential future lawsuits, it does reflect the growing importance of the issue.

Last season Westbrook tried to come back from two devastating concussions but did not see much of the field.   In the playoffs, with an extra reinforced helmet in hand, he watched all but one play of his final game in the midnight green.

The only thing standing between him and retirement papers are one more blow to the head.

5 - What have you done for me lately?

It seems every year NFL teams find ways to squeeze every last drop of performance ability out of its players.  If you get injured, lose a step, or get in trouble, there is someone waiting to take your spot.

Such was the case last year in Philadelphia as the Eagles drafted LeSean McCoy.  In with the new and out with the old.

It's not always fair, but it's the reality.   Westbrook hasn't been able to produce anything of significance for a while now.  

If he hopes to help the 49ers, that will need to change immediately because there is always another draft right around the corner.