Cardinals Release FB Centers

June 19, 1999 / 9:57 PM EDT / AP

The Arizona Cardinals on Friday released fullback Larry Centers, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and the first NFL running back to catch 100 passes in a season.

Centers' release was intended to give the Cardinals more flexibility under the NFL salary cap. The Cardinals have yet to sign their first-round draft picks, receiver David Boston and offensive tackle L.J. Shelton, among others.

General manager Bob Ferguson said the move was prompted by a need to commit to younger players.

"Today's NFL is forcing all teams to make difficult decisions, but none more difficult than this one for us," Ferguson said. "Larry Centers was a cornerstone of this franchise through some very rocky times."

Centers, 31, a fifth-round selection in 1990, set a team receiving record with 101 and holds the career reception mark with 535. He also rushed for 1,736 yards and 10 touchdowns.