Brian Westbrook and Lesley Van Arsdall co-author new book aimed at teaching kids real-life lessons

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — He’s a sports legend from Philadelphia who spent eight seasons with the Eagles, including two Pro Bowl selections.

But now Brian Westbrook can add the author to his list of accomplishments.

Eagles star and former Philadelphia sportscaster Lesley Van Arsdall has co-authored a new children’s book, “The Mouse Who Played Football.”

The underlying themes of the book are confidence, hard work and perseverance. It draws on several parallels with Westbrook’s story.

“This story is about overcoming your fears. Never allowing someone else to tell you what you can and can’t do, but also believing in yourself,” Westbrook said.

At 5’10, weighing just over 200 pounds, Westbrook wasn’t the shortest, but certainly not the tallest on the court either.

But it was his talents and dedication that helped him dominate both at Villanova and with the Eagles.

Westbrook and Van Arsdall began collaborating on the book two years ago.

They both have children and felt this would be a story everyone could relate to.

“I think it’s also because some people may perceive it as a weakness, you actually use it as your strength,” Van Arsdall said.

“What we want them to know is to believe in you and believe that you can do anything in the world, that you absolutely want to dedicate yourself and work hard to be able to do it, that’s a great message,” added Westbrook.

In two days, it’s already sold out on Amazonbut they plan to get more copies.

It is also available on Barnes and Noble and Temple University Press.