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The Detroit Lions are parting ways with a legend on Tuesday night when coach Dan Campbell announced the team would be moving on from long snapper Don Muhlbach.
Muhl, the team's longest-tenured player, had spent the previous 17 seasons snapping the ball for the Lions, and along the way, he earned the respect of plenty of his teammates—including Campbell, whom he played alongside during the 2006-2008 seasons in Detroit.
“Look, I got the utmost respect for Don,” Campbell said at his press conference. “I played with Don. Seventeen seasons, 260 games, 37th overall all-time games played in this league—he’s a pro, he’s an even better person, and he’s meant a lot to this organization.”
Upon learning the news of Muhlbach's release, several other teammates took to social media to express their affection for the 40-year-old veteran.
Here’s a sampling of some of the reactions:
One of the best to ever do it!
— Matt Prater (@MattPrater_5) August 18, 2021
Muuuuule the !!!! What a career!!! One of the best teammates ever!!! https://t.co/FBNJZmDztM
— Marvin Jones Jr (@MarvinJonesJr) August 17, 2021
One of the best people I’ve ever gotten to meet! Retire the number https://t.co/n0Ji3ZPeT4
— Kerryon Johnson (@AyeyoKEJO) August 17, 2021
The goat… even better teammate!!! https://t.co/gD6kNVN189
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) August 17, 2021
Muhl the ! Thankful to be your teammate! https://t.co/Jd8DL27wRM
— Nino (@qdiggs6) August 17, 2021
Legend. As a player-more so as a man and a friend https://t.co/s9kxThnTdF
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) August 17, 2021
Great teammate and guy! Many blessings to whatever is next for Muhl!
— DK (@DevonKennard) August 17, 2021
Congrats on an epic career buddy. Wow!!! Finally you can get good at golf!! https://t.co/Qslz3MeXI9
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) August 17, 2021
This makes me sad. https://t.co/54ctk8whWE
— TJ Lang (@TJLang70) August 17, 2021
While his current teammates are on the practice field following the team's announcement, several of them took the time to celebrate Muhl’s birthday on social media earlier today—yes, it’s his 40th birthday today, you can’t make this stuff up.
From Instagram earlier today, when teammates celebrates Don Muhlbach's 40th birthday pic.twitter.com/wiZXvU8ieZ
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) August 17, 2021
Once practice concluded, several got on social media to post about Muhl.
Great teammate!!! https://t.co/e6hfgzjz7g
— Jason Cabinda (@jasoncabinda) August 18, 2021
The team also had prepared their own announcements of Muhlbach’s career, expressing thankfulness for what he has meant to the organization.
17 seasons
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 17, 2021
260 career games
Thank you, Don pic.twitter.com/E2FGjdQ6sE
Since arriving in Detroit in 2004, LS Don Muhlbach carved out a legendary career with the @Lions.
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) August 17, 2021
A team captain and leader off the field, Muhlbach leaves Detroit as one of the most accomplished players in both team and @NFL history.
Read more about his legacy below: pic.twitter.com/Jf6bKV13d5
#Lions have released LS Don Muhlbach.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 17, 2021
Statement from Lions Principal Owner and Chair Sheila Ford Hamp ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/MyxAcbtHBh