Twitter Reacts: Muhlbach's Exit Triggers Shock, Sadness, Anger, Acceptance

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 Lions 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 from Lions fans, who expressed shock, disappointment, acceptance and anger at the organization's decison.
Unless there is something we don't know about him like injuries or a serial killer, I don't understand why this makes any sense at all. Can a Long Snapper potentially do more than what muehlebach has been doing? Like cover on special-teams kickoffs to?
— Adam J. Salgat (@AdamJay3) August 18, 2021
Omg
— Detroit (@CashmeoutMiller) August 18, 2021
WTF????
— Martin Ertz (@ErtzintheTetons) August 17, 2021
— Dr. Ken (@ElGatoPolloLoco) August 17, 2021
Bout damn time ✌🏿
— Fatboy SZN (@DreamBigB21) August 17, 2021
Should have made this his farewell season😓 Why release him on his 40th Birthday?
— Raymond Nuznoff (@mrstingray93) August 17, 2021
— Bobby43076 (@Bobby430761) August 17, 2021

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!