49ers: 3 former players you forgot played for San Francisco

No. 3: Running Back Brian Westbrook

Running back Brian Westbrook will be remembered most vividly by NFL fans as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. That team selected him in the 2002 NFL Draft in the third round (91st overall) out of Villanova. In his rookie season, Westbrook was used sparingly behind starting running back Duce Staley.

In 2004, though, Westbrook had his breakout season in which he rushed for 812 yards and three touchdowns. He also showed his versatility as a receiver out of the backfield, recording 73 receptions, 703 yards and six touchdowns.

That performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, and he helped the Eagles make it to the Super Bowl that season as well.

Westbrook hit his first 1,000-plus yard season in 2006 with 1,217 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. He followed that performance up with an even better 2007, rushing for 1,333 yards and seven touchdowns.

To go along with the yards on the ground he had 90 receptions, 771 yards receiving and five touchdowns. That performance not only earned him a Pro Bowl selection but an All-Pro selection as well.

After eight years in Philadelphia, the team released him before the 2010 season and the 49ers signed him to a one-year deal. The No. 36 fans had watched him wear for eight seasons was already taken on the 49ers by cornerback Shawntae Spencer. Thus, Westbrook donned the number 20.

He was mainly used as a backup to the great Frank Gore, but when Gore went down with an injury late in the season, Westbrook started the final five games of the season. He would finish that season with 340 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

2010 would be Westbrook’s only season with the 49ers and his last in the NFL.