Minnesota Vikings Release Long Snapper Cullen Loeffler
The longest tenured Viking is no longer a Minnesota Viking. The Vikings announced on Monday morning that longtime long snapper Cullen Loeffler has been released.
Loeffler had been the Vikings long snapper since his rookie season of 2004. He played in all 16 games for the Vikings every single season, but one (2011 when he played in 11).
Kevin McDermott will now be the team’s long snapper. This is the first time since 2005 that the Vikings have brought in competition for Loeffler to face in training camp, according to 1500ESPN.
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The essential swap of long snappers will save the Vikings some coin. Loeffler was signed to a one-year deal in March worth $970,000 and McDermott is on for only $585,000 this season. McDermott signed a two-year deal with the club in April.
McDermott is familiar with Vikings’ punter Jeff Locke. McDermott was Locke’s teammate at UCLA.
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman released a statement announcing the release of Loeffler.
"“These types of decisions are the hardest part of our jobs. Cullen was outstanding in the community and on the field for the Vikings. He handled his business with class and his impact in the locker room and on the franchise were second to none. We wish him the best in the future.”"
Loeffler took to Twitter to thank the Vikings for his time with the club.
I am forever grateful for my time in Minnesota and the opportunity to be a Viking for so long. It has been a great run. Thank You! #Skol
— Cullen Loeffler (@Loeffler46) August 24, 2015
Long snapping is one of those jobs that is really underrated. It looks easy, but it’s a very important job. The machine that is a football team has many cogs and the cogs you don’t think about daily are some of the most important.
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