ATLANTA (AP) – The Atlanta Falcons released Roddy White, the leading receiver in franchise history, on Wednesday following his least productive season in a decade.
White’s role in the offense declined in 2015 under first-year coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.
The Falcons announced the release of White, 34, on Wednesday in a statement which included glowing compliments from team owner Arthur Blank, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and Quinn.
White holds the franchise records for most catches, receiving yards and touchdown catches. He was the team’s first-round pick from Alabama-Birmingham in 2005, and he soon became one of the team’s biggest stars and most popular players.
Blank said White “is one of the greatest players to ever put on a Falcons uniform.”
Blank said White “is a man of tremendous character that I and my entire family have profound personal affection and respect for.” He said White will “forever be part of the Falcons family.”
White was only fourth on the team with 43 catches last season, his low total since 2006, his second season. As his production declined, fans cheered even louder for his catches, often chanting “Roddy! Roddy!” as they sought to help him return to his top form.
Julio Jones is now established as the top receiving target for quarterback Matt Ryan. Blank said the decision to release White was made after “a lot of discussion” with Quinn and Dimitroff.
“The difficult decision we’ve made today was ultimately driven by the need to address some key areas on our roster and ultimately to meet that commitment,” Blank said.
White, a first-team All-Pro selection in 2010 and four-time Pro Bowler, set Falcons records with 808 catches for 10,863 yards and 63 touchdowns. He had six straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving from 2007 through 2012.
White met with Quinn during the 2015 season as he sought to clarify his role in the offense. He came away from the meeting satisfied with what he heard, though there was no sustained spike in his targets.
“Roddy is one of the best competitors and warriors I have ever been around,” Quinn said in the team’s statement.
“He was one of the first players I reached out to when I was hired here, and I want to thank him for his professionalism and leadership. Although this was a difficult decision, we feel this is best for everyone as we continue to put this team together, not just for the 2016 season, but for the future as well.”
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