Feb. 1, 2005

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Former Villanova standout Brian Westbrook learned on Monday that he had been named to the NFC Pro Bowl squad. The third-year running back and 2001 Walter Payton Award winner is a first-time selection to the annual game.

Westbrook was the Philadelphia Eagles starting running back, and he tallied 177 carries for 812 yards on the regular season. He also led all NFL running backs with 73 receptions for 703 yards. He ranked fourth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 1,515. Westbrook also makes his first Super Bowl appearance this Sunday when the Eagles take on the New England Patriots.

"I'm happy, my family is happy, everybody is happy," said Westbrook. "I thank my teammates for making it possible."

Westbrook is the fourth different player from the Atlantic 10 Football Conference to be selected to the Pro Bowl in the past four seasons. He joins Jerry Azumah, Rich Gannon and Darren Sharper.

The 2005 Pro Bowl will be played on February 13 in Honolulu. Westbrook becomes the 10th member of the Eagles to be selected for this year's game.