Before today, Don Muhlbach had the longest tenure on the Detroit Lions. He was the team’s long snapper since 2004. However, on his 40th birthday, he received quite the gift from the Lions.

His walking papers. Muhlbach played 260 on 17 seasons with the Lions, earning two Pro Bowl nods.

Dan Campbell opened his Tuesday evening press conference announcing Muhlbach’s release from the team.

“I really think the best way to put it is it just time,” Campbell told reporters. “I wish him the best, him and his family. He’s a stud, and I hate that we had to be the ones to do this.”

Since 2010, Muhlbach has not missed a regular-season game. He has the second-longest tenure as a Lions player, coming behind beloved kicker Jason Hanson, who played 21 seasons with Detroit.

“I got the utmost respect for Don,” said Campbell. “I played with Don. Seventeen seasons, 260 games, 37th overall all-time games played in this league. He’s a pro. [And] he’s an even better person, and he’s meant a lot to this organization.”

“He’s always represented it well. And he’s an outstanding teammate. He was always locked in and a man of his word. So, I hate it, man. This is the hardest time, especially with a player like him. But that’s coming down the wire, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t open up with that for him.”

Now with Don Muhlbach gone, the Lions will turn to Scott Daly. The Lions signed Daly earlier this year on May 4th.

“Daly’s here, and he’s still got to compete for a job,” said Campbell. And he knows that, as does everyone else on this roster.”

After announcing Muhlbach’s release, Campbell confirmed the signing of quarterback Jordan Ta’amu

Follow Kory Woods on Twitter at KoryEWoods.