Antonio Pierce

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Antonio Pierce, the linebacker of the New York Giants have released him told the Newark Star-Ledger in an e-mail on Thursday.

According to the newspaper's Web site, New York Giants will announce the move soon.

Pierce, 32, was the Giants' defensive captain and played five seasons there. He made the Pro Bowl after the 2006 season, when he compiled a career-high 137 tackles.

He appeared in just nine games as he was struggling with injuries. A bulging disk suffered last season might have played into the Giants' decision.