The Detroit Lions shocked their fanbase with the announcement that veteran long snapper Don Muhlbach would be released, ending his 17-year tenure in Motown.
Muhlbach, 40, celebrated his birthday at the team's Allen Park practice facility prior to the announcement being made public, and even posed for social media pictures sitting on a rocking chair.
A statement from principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp read, "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."
Here is a sample of reactions of Lions' fans, who expressed shock, disappointment, acceptance and anger at the organization's decison.
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