Detroit Lions Announce Release Of Long-Time Long Snapper Don Muhlbach

The Detroit Lions have announced some breaking news about long-time long snapper Don Muhlbach.

According to ESPN, in a news conference on Tuesday (August 17), Lions head coach Dan Campbell announced that they would be releasing the veteran long snapper.

"Look, I've got the utmost respect for Don. I played with Don. He played 17 seasons, 260 games, 37th overall all-time games played in this league," Campbell stated. "Dude's a pro. He's an even better person. He meant a lot to this organization and always will. He's always represented as well. He's an outstanding teammate who is always locked in. A man of his word, so, I hate it, man. This is the hardest time, especially with a player like him, but that's coming down the wire and I'd be remiss if I didn't open up with that for him."

Tuesday (August 17) was Muhlbach's 40th birthday and also the set date NFL teams were forced to cut their roster from 90 to 85 players.

After the announcement, the team tweeted out a photo with the caption, "17 seasons 260 career games Thank you, Don," and a statement from Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp. The statement said:

"Don Muhlbach will go down as one of the all-time Detroit Lions greats. Since joining our team as a free agent in 2004, to earning the respect of his teammates as a team captain, he has represented our organization with class, consistency and true sportsmanship. His 260 career games played, the second-most in team history behind only Jason Hanson, illustrate the dedication to his craft he has displayed over the course of his 17 seasons. Only 36 players in the history of the National Football League have played in more games than Don, and we are proud to call him a Lion for life. Away from the field, Don has been the consummate leader. Often assisting behind the scenes with the planning and execution of team philanthropic initiatives, Don's passion for making a difference in our city has been evident since the day he set foot in Detroit. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of his family, and we wish him, his wife, Alix, and their three children, Addison, Jack and Avery, the very best in the future. We are so thankful for everything Don has given to our organization."