FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – Veteran linebacker Roman Phifer, who played on all three of New England’s Super Bowl winners, was released Monday.

Phifer, a 36-year-old 14-year veteran, was signed by the team as a free agent in 2001 and played in 59 games in his four seasons with the Patriots.

Phifer recorded 385 tackles, ranking second on the team over that span to Tedy Bruschi with 403. He led the team in tackles in 2002.

Phifer was originally selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1991 NFL draft of of UCLA.

He played eight years with the Rams in Los Angeles and St. Louis before signing with the New York Jets in 1999. He went to New England two years later, following Bill Belichick, who had been the Jets defensive coordinator before becoming the Patriots’ head coach.

His career totals include 1,297 tackles, 29 sacks, 11 interceptions, 18 forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries.

Last year, he was primarily a backup to inside linebackers Bruschi and Ted Johnson, one of the many interchangeable parts who have helped New England during its run to three NFL titles in four seasons.

Phifer is the second key Patriots defensive player to be released in the past week. Cornerback Ty Law, a 10-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowl player, was released on Friday in a move that will save the team $12.5 million against the salary cap next season.

Law, tied for the team career regular-season interception mark with 36, broke his foot on a non-contact play in the Oct. 31 loss to Pittsburgh and missed the team’s final 12 games, including the 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.

Bruschi’s future is also up in the air after he suffered a mild stroke earlier this month.