The Sports Xchange

The Minnesota Vikings released veteran long snapper Cullen Loeffler on Monday.

Loeffler, who had been with the Vikings for 12 years, was re-signed to a one-year deal in March before the Vikings added Kevin McDermott on a two-year deal in April.

Loeffler, 34, originally joined the Vikings as a rookie free agent in 2004 and played all 16 games in 10 of his 11 NFL seasons, only missing a five-game stretch during the 2011 campaign. Loeffler’s 171 games played were the most among active Vikings and tied for 17th-most in team history.

“These types of decisions are the hardest part of our jobs,” general manager Rick Spielman said in a statement. “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: “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!”

McDermott, 25, will take over the long-snapping duties for the Vikings. He spent the final 10 weeks of the 2014 season with the Baltimore Ravens, appearing in seven games before being placed on injured reserve with an elbow injury.