Giants release Michael Boley

One year after posting a team-high 10 tackles in New York's Super Bowl victory, Michael Boley is out of a job. (US Presswire)

A lot can change in a year.

On Feb. 5, 2012, New York Giants starting linebacker Michael Boley was walking off the field at Lucas Oil Stadium as a Super Bowl champion after the Giants beat the Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI. Boley led the New York defense with 10 tackles in the game.

Exactly one year later, Boley is out of a job.

In a somewhat surprising move, the Giants cut the eight-year veteran on Tuesday. Boley played in all 16 games for the Giants this season and finished fourth on the team with 84 tackles.

Boley had been in New York since signing a 5-year, $25-million with the Giants before the 2009 season. Before that, he spent four seasons with the Falcons.

"Michael came in and learned our defense quickly," Giants general manager Jerry Reese said through the team's website. "He also played an important role in helping us win Super Bowl XLVI."

Giant coach Tom Coughlin echoed Reese's statement, "He's a smart player who made some big plays for us," Coughlin said. "He was integral part of our Super Bowl XLVI championship team."

The move will save the Giants some money heading into 2013. Boley was due to earn $4.25 million next season.

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