EAST RUTHERFORD, N. J. - Defensive lineman Mathis Kiwaunka was released after nine years with the Giants on Tuesday.
Kiwanuka spent his entire career with the team, winning two Super Bowl championships, in 2007 and 2011.
"The thing that has always impressed me about Kiwi is how serious he is about the game," head coach Tom Coughlin said in the team's news release. "He was always prepared and always in outstanding condition and played very hard. And he had some nasty in him."
He was due a $4.78 million base paycheck next season, and prior to last season accepted a pay cut to remain with the team.
"I always felt like you could count on certain things from him: eight, nine sacks, harass the quarterback, and you could move him around, inside, outside. He is dependable, reliable, and there is no question about his professionalism," Coughlin added.
Kiwanuka, selected 32nd overall in 2006, played in 120 games, starting 82 for New York. He finished his tenure with 464 tackles (298 solo), 38.5 sacks, the Giants' all-time ninth-best mark, and three interceptions.
With his departure, quarterback Eli Manning and long snapper Zak DeOssie remain the only two members of the club on the roster during their recent Super Bowl run.
"His character and professionalism and serious approach to the game will be missed," Coughlin said.
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