In a expected move, the New York Jets released Nick Mangold, the longest-serving player on the team.

Mangold announced the move on his Twitter account.

Meanwhile, Jets owner Woody Johnson released a statement shortly after the player's message, saying "Over the last 11 years, Nick Mangold has been a cornerstone of our team on and off the field."

He added that "Nick consistently demonstrated superior ability and unmatched toughness. Equally important, off the field, Nick showed respect, sensitivity, and compassion for the causes he supported."

"It has been a privilege to have known Nick for many years and, for all of us, I say Nick will always be a Jet," he concluded.

The Jets, who finished the season with a 5-11 record, are in a rebuilding process.

Mangold, 33 years old, was the first-round pick in 2006, and started in 164 of 176 games over 11 years.

Last season, he missed eight games due to a serious ankle injury that nearly required surgery.