PHILADELPHIA -- Shawn Andrews' star-crossed career with the Eagles is over.
As expected, the team released the former All-Pro right guard Wednesday. Andrews, who missed 2008 training camp because of depression, has played in just two games over the past two years because of back injuries.
Andrews wrote "Bye, Bye Birds" on his Twitter page. He also said he plans to continue playing.
Andrews' passion for football had been questioned during his time in Philadelphia. Critics said he was more interested in his music career. The eccentric Andrews posted some videos on YouTube last summer while he was sitting out practices.
Taken by the Eagles with the 16th overall pick in the 2004 NFL draft, Andrews missed his rookie season after breaking a leg during the opener. He overcame weight issues and rebounded from his injury to emerge into one of the top players at his position. Andrews made the Pro Bowl in 2006 and '07 and had a contract that ran through 2015.
Last offseason, the Eagles signed Andrews' older brother, Stacy, to a lucrative contract even though he was coming off knee surgery. Shawn Andrews was moved to right tackle to replace longtime starter Jon Runyan, and Stacy Andrews was supposed to play right guard. However, the brothers never played a down together with the Eagles.
Despite his talent, Shawn Andrews was known more for his offbeat personality. He sported faux-hawk haircuts that sometimes were dyed blonde or red, and he often wandered through the locker room singing out loud.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
