New York Giants dump WR David Tyree

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- The New York Giants released wide receiver David Tyree, a former Super Bowl hero, when they reduced their regular-season roster to 53 players Saturday.

The oft-injured Tyree made a circus catch in New York's 17-14 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

On the game-winning drive, Tyree caught a 32-yard pass from quarterback Eli Manning over safety Rodney Harrison while cradling the football at the top of his helmet.

He also caught a 5-yard touchdown pass.

His heroics ended New England's quest to finish with a 19-0 record, the first-ever in the NFL.

This summer, he was attempting to bounce back after missing the 2008 season with knee and hamstring injuries, but a hamstring injury limited him this pre-season.

"Like anyone else, it was a tough thing for David to hear," Tyree's agent, Michael Clouser, told The (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger.