Speaker Profile

Brian Westbrook, Sr. is a former professional American Football Running Back who played for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at Villanova University. Following an eight-year career with the Eagles, in which he earned a trip to Superbowl XXXIX; two Pro Bowl selections in 2004 and 2007, as well as an All-Pro Selection in 2007, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2010. Throughout Brian’s College career he received numerous awards, accolades and recognition which included the Walter Payton Award that is awarded to the nation’s top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS); he also holds 37 Villanova school records and multiple National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) records. Brian retired from the NFL in 2011. After his retirement, Brian was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles, Villanova University, Philadelphia Sports, and the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fames.

Following his NFL career, Brian spent time as a Sports Analyst for numerous radio and television news organizations; FS1’s First Things First, The Lefkoe Show, and 97.5 The Fanatic, among others. Brian’s most recent television appearance was on the Rachael Ray Show for the 2022 Super Bowl Recipe Competition; during the show Brian was recognized by Rachael Ray and Chef Michael Symon for creating a healthy and nutritional appetizer for the big game.

Off the football field Brian has always had a love for animals, in 2005 he purchased a 50-acre horse farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland which he operated as a boarding facility for 12 years. In addition, he is also the owner of The Westbrook Horse Farm LLC, which encompasses his real estate businesses and “Westbrook Reiners” which is dedicated to breeding and raising reining horses with an emphasis on pedigree, confirmation as well as trainability. In 2017 Brian founded “The Brian Westbrook Foundation.” Brian’s foundation is focused on empowering youth, while adding to their vocational training. Brian believes that with hard work, dedication and having access to the right tools and opportunities all youth can be successful in life. Brian’s talents have also allowed him to become an Author. In 2022, he authored a children’s book with Lesley Van Arsdall titled “The Mouse Who Played Football” which tells his story of never giving up on your dreams; the book also encourages young readers to believe in themselves and to use their unique differences as their strengths.

From 2019-2022, Brian was the Chairman of the Athletes Venture Group of SeventySix Capital, a venture capital firm focused on investing in game-changing startups in sports betting, Esports, and sports technology. Currently, Brian is the Managing Director of the Athlete Entrepreneurship Network (AEN) which is a subsidiary of the Underdog Venture Team. Brian’s focus is assisting former athletes with their transition from the sports arena as well as providing them with business opportunities and access to thought leaders within the sports business sector. In August of 2022, Brian was named the Director of Player Engagement for the XFL, his primary focus is to provide education, opportunities and a network for the athletes off the field. In 2022 Brian was appointed to the Advisory Council of America 250, Brian also sits on the Villanova University Alumni Board and serves as a Board Member of the Jeffery Moorad Center of Sports Law.

Brian received an Executive Business Degree at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania; he also earned a Management Information System (MIS) Degree from Villanova University Business School.

Brian is a well-beloved athlete and family-oriented person; he enjoys spending quality time with his wife (Abdalla), daughters (Bria and Brielle), son (Brian, Jr.), parents (Ron and Zelda), brother (Byron), niece (Bree) and several other family members. Brian leads his family by encouraging everyone to thrive in life by keeping a good work-life balance, eating healthy, exercising, and maintaining a positive mindset always.