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Bucs Release Brooks, 4 Other Veterans

Tribune file photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

An 11-time Pro Bowler, Brooks, 35, was the unquestioned leader of the Bucs' defense.

By ROY CUMMINGS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 25, 2009

Updated: 02/25/2009 04:58 pm

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Do you agree with the Bucs' decision to release Derrick Brooks?

TAMPA - In a sweeping move designed to give their younger players a chance to play, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Wednesday released five veterans including linebacker Derrick Brooks.

Brooks, reached by telephone, clearly was shaken by the news.

"Right now, like all of you guys, I'm just trying to get a feel for it all, trying to come to grips with it," Brooks told The Tampa Tribune. "I don't even know what to think. I'll speak to all of you guys [Thursday]."

Also let go were linebacker Cato June, wide receivers Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, and running back Warrick Dunn.

"We did this with the idea of giving our younger players a chance to play,'' Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said.

New coach Raheem Morris said the decision to release the veterans was difficult.

"There's never an adequate time to make these decisions. Unfortunately, we've been put in a role as decision-makers – and we made a big one today," Morris said at a Wednesday afternoon news conference. "All these guys are rare talents that mean a lot to everyone in this building. They've given us a lot. We're thankful to everything they've given us. Championships, character, off the field, personally. Myself, I wouldn't be in the position I'm in today if it wasn't for these players."

An 11-time Pro Bowler, Brooks, 35, was the unquestioned leader of the Bucs' defense, which consistently set the standard for excellence in the NFL over the past 12 years.

He struggled near the end of last season but that was after a hamstring strain slowed him and limited his ability to play at the level he had become accustomed to.

"Our family and the entire Tampa Bay community owe Derrick an indescribable measure of gratitude for all that he has meant over the last 14 years," Buccaneers co-chairman Bryan Glazer said in the news release. "His play on the field and leadership in the locker room helped resurrect our franchise, and we look forward to celebrating his certain enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

Dominik also issued a statement in the team's news release.

"I have had the fortune of being here for all 14 seasons of Derrick's extraordinary career, and have seen firsthand the impact he has had on every aspect of this organization. He was a true professional in every sense of the word. He will forever represent the standard by which all future Buccaneers are measured."

June, who will turn 30 later this year, came to the Bucs as a free agent before the start of the 2007 season and has manned their strongside linebackers spot ever since.

Galloway, 37, is the only receiver in Bucs history to have three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, but he spent most of last year watching from the sideline as Antonio Bryant emerged as the team's top receiver. Galloway had just 13 catches for 138 yards and no touchdowns last season.

Hilliard, 32, has been one of the Bucs' most consistent pass catchers over the last four seasons. He caught 47 passes in 2008, with four TDs, but averaged just 9.0 yards per reception.

Dunn, 34, returned to the Bucs last season after a six-year stay in Atlanta, but he struggled when he was forced to fill the role of the starter after Earnest Graham went down. Dunn led the Bucs with 786 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Dunn issued a statement that expressed gratitude to the Bucs organization.

"I am thankful for my Tampa Bay Buccaneer experience – in its entirety," he said. "It all started here and now in my second term I know I have been blessed to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer in the NFL.

"I don't know what the future holds, but wherever it goes I go with a full and grateful heart."

Dominik said Dunn's impact went beyond the playing field and locker room.

"He is a great football player and unmatched competitor," Dominik said. "Warrick's work in the community is evident by the number of people he has touched with his kindness."

It is not yet known who stands to benefit from the releases or whether the Bucs will pursue replacements through free agency, which starts at midnight tonight.

Of those released Wednesday, Galloway likely was most prepared for the news.

"I wouldn't say it was a surprise, especially with the way the season went for me last year in Tampa," Galloway said in an interview with Gil Brandt on "The Red Zone" on Sirius NFL Radio. "I fully understand that when you sit down and start making business decisions that sometimes guys don't fit into what you plan to do. "

Galloway remained compliemntary of the Bucs' organization.

"I think Raheem Morris is a great coach. I think he is a very bright guy, and I think he's going to be great at it, Galloway said. "Honestly, I've enjoyed my time there, and I think they are all great people, and I think they'll be fine."

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