CLEVELAND -- For eight seasons, DQwell Jackson did everything for the Browns. Aaron Rodgers Jersey . He overcame serious injuries to play at a high level. He led the team tackles. He became a locker room leader, showing the way for younger players. And, he did it all without complaint despite almost constant losing and change in Cleveland. Jacksons run ended Wednesday. The Browns released the veteran linebacker, cutting ties with one of their most popular players due a $4.1 million roster bonus next month. The 31-year-old Jackson, who made 96 starts in eight seasons with the Browns, is now a free agent and can sign with any team. Jacksons agents and Clevelands revamped front office tried to restructure his contract, but couldnt come to terms and decided to part ways. "We had positive discussion with DQwell and his agent over the last several days, and we came to the mutual agreement to go in different directions," said Browns general manager Ray Farmer, who was promoted into that role last month and had to make a tough decision on Jackson. "DQwell is the epitome of class, leadership and professionalism. Every day of his NFL career, DQwell has been a solid representative of the Browns and the city of Cleveland, both between the lines on Sundays and off the field in our area community. "We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours." Jackson overcame two serious chest injuries earlier in his career. He missed most of two seasons, but recovered and was a mainstay on Clevelands defence despite playing under four head coaches and four defensive co-ordinators. He signed a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension last year through 2016. The deal, which included $19 million in guarantees and bonuses, would have paid Jackson $3.93 million this season. He was set to make $7.73 million and $7 million the next two seasons. However, the Browns looked at his age and increasing salary, and although theyve got room under the salary cap, decided to make the change. The team wants to get younger, stronger and faster in its linebacking corps and Jackson no longer fit into their plans. Near the end of last season, Jackson said he would be "shocked" if he didnt come back. But now that the day has arrived, he can get a fresh start elsewhere. He thanked the Browns and their fans in a statement. "To the people of Cleveland and Browns fans everywhere: Eight years ago I began a journey that blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful organization and community," Jackson said. "I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you for opening your arms and hearts to my family and me, and for making Cleveland an easy place to love and call home. Its been an honour playing in front of you. I also would like to thank the Browns players, coaches and staff for their tireless work and commitment. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all and will always carry you with me. For opening your arms and hearts to my family and me, and for making Cleveland an easy place to love and call home. Its been an honour playing in front of you." Jaire Alexander Womens Jersey . - The Raiders have released guard Mike Brisiel after two disappointing seasons in Oakland. Clay Matthews Packers Jersey . Keenum will make his first appearance in a regular-season game against the rugged defence of the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, where the fans just set a Guinness record as the noisiest outdoor stadium in the world. http://www.shoptheofficialpackers.com/Elite-Clay-Matthews-Packers-Jersey/ .A. Happ is coming off his first start of the year, a win at Philadelphia Monday. The former Phillie allowed three hits in five scoreless frames of a 3-0 triumph.CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Brooklyn coach Lionel Hollins felt Joe Johnson had a size matchup he could exploit against Gerald Henderson.Johnson, nearly two inches taller and 30 pounds heavier than Henderson, took full advantage.The Nets went to the 13-year NBA veteran in the low post early and often, and Johnson responded with 14 of his 22 points in the first quarter as Brooklyn built a big lead and rolled to an easy 114-87 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.They didnt have a good matchup for Joe, Hollins said. ... They had to come help on him and Joe had it going early.Johnson was 9 of 16 from the field and 4 of 6 from 3-point range as the Nets shot 16 of 23 from beyond the arc as a team.I was trying to be more aggressive and make plays and I got into a little rhythm early, Johnson said. It just tried to ride that wave in the first quarter.The Nets would end up riding it all game, building their lead to 26 points at the end of the third quarter and as many as 34 in the fourth.Brooklyn moved the ball extremely well on offence, finishing with 29 assists while shooting a torrid 16 of 23 from 3-point range. The Nets had 25 assists the night before in an 88-70 win over Philadelphia.That shows that we moving the ball a little better from side-to-side, Hollins said.The Hornets 3-point defence has been sorely lacking of late, allowing opponents to make 62 of 132 attempts over the past six games.Coach Steve Clifford said his undersized team has focused on packing the lane in recent games to help with rebounding, which has contributed to their struggles defending the 3-point shot.It didnt help that the Hornets were coming off a double-overtime loss the night before in Memphis and didnt get back in to Charlotte until the early morning hours. Jace Sternberger Packers Jersey. Clifford said Al Jefferson, in particular, looked tired after playing 45 minutes on Friday night.Deron Williams had 18 points and 10 assists, and Mason Plumlee outplayed Jefferson and finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Nets (10-12), who eclipsed 100 points for the first time in 11 games.Alan Anderson was 4 of 5 from 3-point range and scored 17 points. Anderson and Bojan Bogdanovic combined to shoot 8 of 10 off the bench from 3-point range.Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had 15 points to lead the Hornets (6-17), who shot 36 per cent from the field in their second straight loss.The game was never close.The Nets took control from the onset, jumping out to a 30-12 lead behind Johnson.The Nets often isolated the 6-foot-7, 240-pound Johnson on Henderson in the low post and played through him on nearly every offensive possession. Johnson was 6 of 9 from the field early, twice stepping out beyond the 3-point line to knock down open jumpers.___TIP-INSNets: Kevin Garnett got a night to rest on the second night of a back-to-back. Rookie Cory Jefferson started, as the Nets started their sixth different starting lineup in the last six games.Hornets: The Hornets were the latest team to wear I Cant Breathe shirts during warmups. Charlotte joins a growing list of teams who have shown support for the family of Eric Garner. He died in July when an arresting New York police officer placed him in a chokehold.GOOD FIRST STARTCory Jefferson filled in nicely for Garnett, scoring a career-high 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting.UP NEXTNets: Host Miami on Tuesday night.Hornets: At Cleveland on Monday night. ' ' '