RB1, WR2, and Leader Always—Westbrook Redefined What a Back Could Be

Long before names like McCaffrey or Kamara lit up highlight reels, Brian Westbrook was quietly redefining the role of a running back in the NFL.

In an age when backs were either bruisers or burners, Westbrook was both—and more.

A typical NFL playbook in the early 2000s didn’t ask much from running backs beyond the usual: power runs, checkdowns, maybe the occasional swing pass. But Andy Reid saw something different in Westbrook. He saw vision. Precision. And hands that rivaled his top receivers.

In 2007, Westbrook didn’t just lead the Eagles in rushing—he also led them in receiving, with 90 receptions and over 700 yards through the air. That season, he amassed over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 12 total touchdowns. Defensive coordinators didn’t know how to scheme for him. Linebackers couldn’t keep up. Safeties were too slow. Corners were too small.

He wasn’t just a matchup nightmare—he was a football anomaly.

But what truly separated Westbrook wasn’t just his stats—it was his consistency. Every week, he showed up ready to do whatever was needed. Whether it was blocking in pass protection, running between the tackles, or motioning out wide to stretch a defense—Westbrook did it all without ego.

He didn’t chase numbers. He chased wins.

And in doing so, he quietly laid the blueprint for the modern hybrid back.

Today’s NFL celebrates versatility. But Brian Westbrook was living that philosophy two decades ago. He wasn’t just RB1. He was WR2. And always, always a leader.