Zelda Westbrook, mother to cornerback Byron Westbrook of the Redskins’ practice squad and Philadelphia Eagle’s running back Brian Westbrook, is among 35 NFL moms who have joined Campbell’s Chunky Soup to fight hunger across the country. For her part, Westbrook, who lives in Fort Washington, is raising money and gathering food staples to donate to the Capital Area Food Bank.
So what’s it like to be the mother of two professional football players?
It’s very exciting. Right now Byron is on the practice squad and we’re looking forward to him breaking through. There’s a lot of competition when their two teams play, but I stay neutral. I want to see them both do well. … It’s also nice that their playing the same sport has brought them closer together. They can communicate about the same things. … If they’re on the field together and since one plays defense the other offense, the only thing I say is don’t hurt each other.
How did you get involved with the Campbell’s food program?
Hunger is something that’s always been in the back of my mind and when this opportunity came up, I wanted to get involved. I stepped up to the plate in Washington, where hunger is a particular problem.
What’s it like around the holidays with your two sons on teams that play in the same division?
Well, our holidays have changed a lot since Brian started playing professionally. Up until last year he was never home for Thanksgiving because of the practice schedule. Last year was the first time the whole family was able to get together.
How often do you see Brian play?
We make it to every game and we’ll do that until Byron is off the practice squad. Then we’ll just have to split up the games.
