Don Muhlbach


Donald Lynn Muhlbach Jr. is an American football long snapper for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. Muhlbach played college football for Texas A&M University. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2004 by the Baltimore Ravens and later signed with the Lions that same year, where he has played since.

High school career

Muhlbach attended Lufkin High School in Lufkin, Texas. As a senior football player, he was the Lufkin special team's most valuable player, and earned Academic All-District honors.

College career

Muhlbach attended Texas A&M University, where he served as the team's long snapper for the 2003 season. He also saw action at punter as a sophomore during the 2001 season.

Professional career

Muhlbach signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens on April 30, 2004. He spent the summer and OTAs with the Ravens before being released during training camp on August 30, 2004. On November 10, 2004, the Detroit Lions signed him as a replacement for injured long snapper Jody Littleton.
Early in his Lions career, Muhlbach overcame the adversity brought on by a botched snap against the Minnesota Vikings in a December 20, 2004 game. Holder Nick Harris was unable to cleanly field a bounced snap on a PAT attempt with 8 seconds remaining in the game. The missed PAT and unsuccessful onside kick resulted in the Lions falling in regulation to the Vikings 28-27. Had the PAT been successful, the game likely would have gone to overtime, giving the Lions an opportunity for a win. The Lions faith in Muhlbach has paid off, as through the 2012 NFL season, he has yet to bounce or botch another snap.
Upon signing with the Lions, Muhlbach was described as "the Nolan Ryan of long snappers" by then-general manager Matt Millen. Millen was referring to the speed at which the ball is snapped to the holder or punter, with Muhlbach having the quickest snaps of those the team timed.
Muhlbach has played in every Lions game since 2005, except for week 15 of the 2009 season due to a concussion. The Lions signed Nathan Hodel as an injury replacement, and Muhlbach returned for week 16.
On January 15, 2013, Muhlbach was added to the NFC 2013 Pro Bowl roster by NFC head coach and Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. This was his first Pro Bowl, and the first Lions special teams player to make a Pro Bowl that was not a kicker, punter, or kick returner.
On February 27, 2015, the Lions re-signed Muhlbach to a one-year contract.
On March 11, 2016, the Lions re-signed Muhlbach to a one-year contract.
On March 3, 2017, the Lions re-signed Muhlbach to a one-year contract for the third straight year.
On March 10, 2018, Muhlbach re-signed with the Lions.
On January 16, 2019, Muhlbach was named to his second Pro Bowl.
On February 13, 2019, Muhlbach signed a one-year contract extension with the Lions.
Muhlbach re-signed with the Lions on March 16, 2020.

Personal life

Muhlbach is married to Alix Koetting. On August 24, 2012, they gave birth to their first daughter Addison. His uncle, John Muhlbach, was a center for Ohio State University.