Buccaneers release LB Derrick Brooks

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Linebacker Derrick Brooks was among five high priced veterans released Wednesday in a salary dump by the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brooks, 35, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, was a first-round pick by the Bucs out of Florida State in the 1995 NFL draft.

He recorded 100 or more tackles in 13 straight seasons from 1996-2008, the longest active streak in the NFL, and his 2,198 career tackles is both a franchise-high and leads all active NFL players.

"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 a statement. "His play on the field and leadership in the locker room helped resurrect our franchise."

Others released were running back Warrick Dunn, wide receivers Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard, and linebacker Cato June.

The team did not disclose a figure for its savings, but reports said it would be in the millions.