Michael Westbrook

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Michael Westbrook
Date of birth	July 7, 1972 (age 34)
Place of birth	Detroit, MI
Position(s)	Wide receiver
College	Colorado
NFL Draft	1995 / Round 1/ Pick 4
Statistics	Pro Football Reference DatabaseFootball
Team(s)
1995-2001 2002	Washington Redskins Cincinnati Bengals

Michael Westbrook (Born July 7, 1972) was a NFL wide receiver most notably known for playing with the Washington Redskins. He also played the 2002 season with the Cincinnati Bengals.

He was drafted fourth overall in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Redskins after a stellar career in the University of Colorado. Westbrook also is known for playing a major role in one of college football's most famous plays, "The Miracle in Michigan." Westbrook caught a Hail Mary pass from quarterback Kordell Stewart to beat the University of Michigan in the final seconds of a game in 1994.

Westbrook played for seven seasons with the Redskins before being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2002 campaign; his last. By the time he retired, Westbrook had 285 receptions for 4,374 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also rushed 22 times for 160 yards and 1 touchdown. While injuries hampered Westbrook for much of his NFL career, he did stay healthy enough to achieve three career highs in 1999; 65 receptions for 1191 yards and 9 touchdowns.

[edit] Mixed Martial Arts

Westbrook fought an MMA match on February 25, 2005 during a King of the Cage event. He submitted Jarrod Bunch with a Rear Naked Choke at 4:55 of the 1st round.

[edit] Professional Blemishes

Early in his career with the Redskins, Westbrook punched out then teammate Stephen Davis over a dispute in practice, at that time Davis was largely an unknown, but the running back became known as the better player of the two. (See Video) Westbrook and Davis have mended fences since the incident.
Late in overtime during a 1997 game against the New York Giants, Westbrook argued with a referee that he was interfered with on the play and it wasn't called. When it became apparent to Westbrook that the official was not going to rule in his favor, Westbrook removed his helmet and slammed the turf in frustration. The outburst drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Redskins. The penalty proved costly, as it took the Redskins out of field goal range (they tried the field goal anyway, the kick being on-target but falling short) and the game ended in a tie. The Redskins finished 8-7-1 for the year and out of the playoffs. Had Westbrook not drawn the penalty, the Redskins may have had a better chance of making the winning field goal and the playoffs.