Kansas City, MO (My Sportsbook) - The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Thursday that they have released veteran safety Jerome Woods.

Woods, a first-round pick by the Chiefs in 1996, amassed 720 tackles, good for seventh all-time in Chiefs history. He also recorded five sacks, 15 interceptions and 11 forced fumbles in his 10 seasons in Kansas City.

The University of Memphis product missed the entire 2002 season with a broken leg, but enjoyed his finest season in 2003 as he totaled 99 tackles and three interceptions en route to a Pro Bowl appearance. He appeared in seven games last season, making three tackles and three special teams stops playing behind starters Sammy Knight and Greg Wesley.

"It is always difficult to say goodbye to good football players and very fine people," said Kansas City president Carl Peterson. "Jerome Woods certainly fits into both of those categories. He was our number one draft choice in 96 and went on to serve as a starter for us for seven seasons. Jerome was a consummate professional both on and off the field. While injuries certainly curtailed his contributions in recent years, he earned a Pro Bowl berth following the 2003 season after missing all of 2002. We wish Jerome Woods and his family the very best in the future and we thank him for his contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs organization."