The New York Giants issued statements Wednesday from general manager Jerry Reese and head coach Tom Coughlin on the decision to release veteran players Ahmad Bradshaw and Chris Canty.

On Bradshaw

Reese:

"Pound for pound, Bradshaw is one of the toughest football players that I've been around. Ahmad played football like Giants football should be played.

"Ahmad Bradshaw was drafted 250th in a class of 255 and to excel and to perform the way that he has, and to accomplish what he has, is a great tribute to him," coach Tom Coughlin said. "He is not only an exceptional football play, but he is the epitome of line up and play. Regardless of the circumstances, he's going to give you everything he's got. If you give the ball to him, he's going to get every inch of what is there - and sometimes when it's not blocked, he still gets it."

Coughlin:

"Bradshaw has great toughness. He plays through anything. He doesn't just talk about playing hurt. He does play hurt. If anyone knows the quality of this man's pain threshold, all you need to do is watch him on a Monday when he can't even walk. He gets a little better on Tuesday, a little better on Wednesday. By Thursday his spirits are back up and whether he can or he can't, he's telling you he's practicing on Friday, and he does. And he plays on Sunday. And he goes through the same cycle. He did that for two or three years."

On Canty

Reese:

"Chris Canty is a pro's pro, a true team player and competitor. He helped us get to the top in 2011 and it was a pleasure having him here during his time with the New York Giants."

Coughlin:

"Chris Canty is a high-character, highly intelligent young man. He distinguished himself a year ago down the stretch for a number of reasons. One, the quality of his play, and two, is the toughness he displayed, which was a great statement about the quality of the individual."