How depressing is it that the Detroit Lions released long snapper Don Muhlbach on his 40th birthday this week?
Unfortunately, that was also the day when NFL teams had to trim their rosters from 90 to 85.
For the past 17 seasons, Muhlbach hasn’t been a casualty of these cuts.
But this time, the inevitable happened.
17 seasons
260 career gamesThank you, Don pic.twitter.com/E2FGjdQ6sE
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 17, 2021
It definitely is shocking to hear a franchise legend getting the boot, especially one of Muhlbach’s stature.
He played in all Lions games during the 2010s and made the snap in 15 game-winning field goals.
His 260 career games rank second-most in NFL history for a long snapper and ninth-most for an undrafted player.
Muhlbach also played the second-most games in Lions history behind Jason Hanson.
While his longevity is commendable, his on-field performance is just as legendary.
During his rookie season, his botched snap cost them the game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Since then, he never missed another snap until 2012 which coincides with his first of two Pro Bowl selections.
The fact that non-Lions fans haven’t heard much about him is a good indication that he’s an excellent long snapper.
After all, they only get noticed when they do something wrong.
But Muhlbach is a well-respected individual within the team and their loyal fanbase and he has been named team captain from 2018 to 2020.
No wonder his release is a monumental shock for everyone in the organization.
Even new Lions head coach Dan Campbell has nothing but praises for Muhlbach, calling him a great pro and an even greater person.
Criticisms will arise for such a controversial move.
However, his release sends a strong message to those who are still fighting for a roster spot.
No One Is Safe
The Lions have been one of the unluckiest NFL franchises as of late.
They last won a playoff game in 1991 even if they’ve made the playoffs nine times since.
Prior to that victory, the Lions last won a championship in 1957 and a postseason game in 1962.
With bad luck looming like a dark cloud over this franchise for decades, another revamp is needed.
Detroit thought that Matt Patricia would reverse the trend given his championship accolades with the New England Patriots.
But the complaints about his ego and self-imposed “infallibility” were well documented.
It did more harm than good which left the team with no other decision but to fire him.
This year, the Lions did not just change their head coach but also their principal owner.
Sheila Ford Hamp is now the team’s owner and chairman while Campbell takes over after a coaching stint with the New Orleans Saints.
Players have warmed up to Campbell because of his approachable personality.
But the organization would like to light a fire under every player in training camp.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell takes full blame for the decision to release 2x Pro-Bowler Don Muhlbach on his 40th Birthday. #Lions #NFL
“I’m an a**hole." pic.twitter.com/IuuaK4SEtf
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) August 19, 2021
Therefore, the Muhlbach cutting is a strong indication that no one is safe.
Even Scott Daly, the remaining long snapper, isn’t a lock and he must compete for the position.
Without the longest-tenured Lion out, everyone will compete harder during practice and postseason games.
Maintaining that mentality can help them buck the misfortunes during the games that matter.
NEXT: Jared Goff Faces Much Less Pressure With The Lions