Detroit Lions: Don Muhlbach’s bittersweet exit from Motown

After 17 years, the Detroit Lions officially cut long snapper and franchise legend Don Muhlbach this past week. The move was announced on Tuesday that the fan-favorite and longtime long snapper had been cut to help open a roster spot.

Muhlbach was one of those locker room guys that was adored by fans due to his availability and consistency. As much as it hurts to see a three-time former captain go, there are some positives that can be taken from the situation.

First is the more obvious spin. It opens up a spot for a guy who might be useful elsewhere on the field.

Although Muhlbach was one of the most consistent long snappers in the league, there isn’t exactly a shortage of guys who can long snap. This cut will open a spot for a younger guy who might be able to help in other places on the team rather than solely long snapping.

The less obvious positive is the positive for the fans in particular. As many know, Muhlbach was the last remaining member from the infamous 0-16 Detroit Lions.

Now obviously this was over 10 years ago and most Lions fans have tried to bury the memory of that season deep down. For fans, it might feel good to lose one of those last connections to that dreadful year.

Muhlbach was a great leader for the Lions and a professional who always went about his business the right way. Honestly, the fact that cutting a long snapper was even mentioned by head coach Dan Campbell to the media shows the true impact he had on the organization.

Hopefully, this will open the door to sign someone who can have an impact on the field and throughout the organization the same way Don Muhlbach did. It is always sad to see a guy like that go, but there is a slight silver lining that could be a positive for the future.