Atlanta Falcons release all-time leading receiver Roddy White

The Atlanta Falcons have released all-time leading receiver Roddy White after 11 seasons with the team.

White's role in the offence declined in 2015 under first-year coach Dan Quinn and offensive co-ordinator Kyle Shanahan.

The 34-year-old finished the 2015 season with 43 receptions for 506 yards and one touchdown.

"Decisions like these are always difficult, but this was one of the most difficult decisions I have been a part of in my years of football," general manager Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement released by the team.

"We have a tremendous amount of respect and gratitude for what Roddy has meant to this community and organization. He is a great teammate and one of the all-time great Falcons. We thank Roddy for everything he has meant to this organization and we wish him success as he continues his career."

White was originally selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round (27th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft and went to amass 808 catches and 10,863 receiving yards for the team.

The veteran wide out was named a first-team All Pro in 2010 and went to four straight Pro Bowls from 2008 to 2011.

His 6,571 receiving yards from 2008-12 ranked second in the NFL behind Calvin Johnson and his 43 touchdowns tied Larry Fitzgerald for second in the league.

"Roddy is one of the greatest players to ever put on a Falcons uniform, and even more importantly he is a man of tremendous character that I and my entire family have profound personal affection and respect for," said Falcons owner Arthur Blank.