The 32-year-old linebacker, who hadn't played in the NFL since 2000 because of several knee injuries, was one of 22 players cut as the Jets got down to the mandatory 53-man roster limit.

Veteran defensive linemen Kimo von Oelhoffen, a Moloka'i High alum, and Bobby Hamilton were also among the final cuts. Both are 36

"It's never easy and it's never fun, but unfortunately, it's the system we have to work in," coach Eric Mangini said.

Wadsworth was an inspirational long shot since putting on a Jets uniform a few months ago. He was a Florida State star and the No. 3 overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1998 draft, but knee problems ended his career after just 36 games in three seasons. After 13 knee operations and nearly seven years since last playing in the NFL, Wadsworth took a break from his thriving car dealerships to give football a shot again.

"I think Andre is just such a good role model in so many ways," Mangini said.

Wadsworth's playing time in the preseason games was limited, but he helped the Jets beat the Giants last week by causing a fumble when he had a strip-sack of Tim Hasselbeck with just over 2 minutes left in a 20-12 win.

"Here's a guy who was not going to let his dream die," Mangini said. "It's really amazing."

Wadsworth indicated to Mangini that his comeback attempt to the NFL might not necessarily end with being cut by the Jets.

"I think he's definitely going to keep things going and he's going to continue to pursue what he started out pursuing," Mangini said. "I think that's great and I'll help him any way I can."

Von Oelhoffen, signed last offseason, started every game for the Jets and had 28 tackles and a sack. He spent his first six NFL seasons with Cincinnati before playing six years with Pittsburgh and helping the Steelers win the Super Bowl during the 2005 season.

Among the players who beat out von Oelhoffen on the defensive line was Mike DeVito, the only rookie free agent to make the team.

Hamilton, who was in his second tenure with the Jets, played in every game last season and had 30 tackles. He played for New York from 1996-99, before playing for New England for four seasons. He came back to the Jets after two seasons with Oakland.

Despite grooming Brad Smith at quarterback this preseason, the Jets decided to also keep Marques Tuiasosopo, giving them four players at the position.

Smith's spot on the roster was secure because of his versatility. Smith, a quarterback at Missouri, was converted to wide receiver last year and is a speedy threat on special teams, but could see some time at quarterback.