Jaguars release Manuwai

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. » The Jacksonville Jaguars cut guard Vince Manuwai on Friday.

A third-round pick who started 105 games in eight seasons, Manuwai showed up at training camp with a torn tendon in his left ankle and was overweight. Considering he was due to make $3.5 million this season, the Jaguars simply couldn’t keep an aging veteran who was out of shape. He also acknowledged having "personal issues."

Manuwai, a Farrington High and UH alumnus, handled the news well, taking time to say goodbye to teammates and friends before leaving the building. He said he would consider returning to Jacksonville at a lower salary, but knows he has work to do before he’s ready to play again.

"First things first, I gotta get my mind right, get everything into balance, get where I’m supposed to be," said Manuwai, who reported to camp at 344 pounds. "Once I can start running, shedding 15, 20 pounds is not a problem. It’s the easy weight to lose. Basically you do a diet and you lose 10 pounds easily."