The Houston Texans announced Wednesday that center Chris Myers has been released.
Myers, who has played for the Texans since coming over in a trade with the Denver Broncos in March 2008. Myers hold the NFL's longest active consecutive games played streak for an offensive lineman at 153 games and consecutive starts at center with 128 games.
While his career with Texans is over, Myers is looking forward to exploring his options in finding a new football home.
"I'm super appreciative of everything that happened here," Myers told the Houston Chronicle. "The Texans are a first-class organization from Bob and Janice McNair on down, and I'm so grateful for my seven years here."
"I think I've got a lot of ball left in me. I want to do what's best for my wife and kids, so that could lead me anywhere."
"I want to express my appreciation to the best fans around. It was important for my wife and I to be in a city where we could do a lot of things in the community, and the fans treated us so well. I have so much gratitude for my time here."
Texans general manager Rick Smith also released a statement on behalf of the team with the announcement of Myer's release.
"Chris has been a mainstay on our offensive line for the past seven seasons," Smith said. "He has been a consummate pro during his time here in Houston. Chris, his wife, Jenny, and his entire family have represented our organization in the Houston community with class. We appreciate his contributions and wish him the best as he continues his career."
Myers was due $6 million in the final season of his contract, carrying an $8 million salary-cap hit. If wide receiver Andre Johnson's wish to be released by the team comes to past, the Texans should have plenty of cap space to sign free agents - including some of their own key players - in the offseason.
Myers was a sixth-round pick by the Broncos coming out of the University of Miami in 2005 and is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.
Follow Shawn Ramsey on Twitter: @ShawnPRamsey
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