Brian Westbrook was released earlier this week by the Philadelphia Eagles leaving the 30-year-old looking for a new city to take his game. The running back spent most of this season hurt only playing in 8 games all season. From 2004-2008, Westbrook was a dependable weapon in the Eagles’ offense both running and catching the ball out of the backfield. The two-time Pro Bowler told the media today that he was not planning to retire. Many experts have been pointing to the lack of success running back over thirty typically have in the NFL as a reason why Westbrook was let go by the Eagles. Former MVP and fellow 30-year-old Ladainian Tomlinson was also released earlier this month after a decline in production in 2009-10. The NFL is turning into a league where every team has a rotation of running backs, so guys like Westbrook and Tomlinson don’t have to carry the load of carries on their next time like in the past. I imagine a guy like Westbrook, who’s had a wealth of success in his career, will find a home before too long.

The NFC Championship game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints was watched by some 57.9 million viewers as the Saints prevailed in the classic back and forth overtime battle. The allure of Brett Farve possibly making it back to the Super Bowl and the feel good appeal of the Saints drew in the mammoth audience. Not since the finale of Seinfeld had so many people watched a television program outside of the Super Bowl. Following the tremendous success of the NFC Championship and the star appeal of everyone’s favorite pitchman Peyton Manning, Sunday’s Super Bowl XLIV could beat the 1982 Super Bowl for highest Super Bowl ratings ever. The Colts and Saints’ two high powered offenses should make the game itself should be must-watch-TV for Super Bowl viewers.