The Detroit Lions lost a legendary member of their family and organization on Wednesday. Joe Schmidt passed away at the age of 92 on Wednesday.
Schmidt won two NFL Championships with the Lions and earned 8 first-team All-Pro selections from 1953-65. He was a true legend and an all-time player for the franchise and for the NFL as a whole. He was also the head coach for the Lions from 1967-72 going for an overall record of 43-34-7. He led the team to four winning seasons and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1973.
Detroit Lions and Hall of Fame Heartbroken Over Loss
Both the Lions and the Pro Football Hall of Fame shared long heartfelt messages about the man he was and the incredible impact he had:
“I am heartbroken to learn of Joe Schmidt’s passing,” Lions principal owner and chair Sheila Ford Hamp said in a statement. “Joe was one of the greatest players to ever wear the Honolulu Blue and Silver. He played a brand of football that struck fear into the entire league and propelled our franchise to two championships. My family and I will be forever grateful for Joe’s contributions to the Lions organization, and we are praying for his family during this difficult time.”
The Hall of Fame president shared a message as well:
“Joe Schmidt played in a golden era of middle linebackers in the NFL, and many of his peers considered him the toughest opponent they faced,” President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Jim Porter said in a statement. “When Joe Schmidt got to the ball carrier, that was the end of the play. And yet, he never sought out attention. He let his play do the talking.”
Schmidt went from a seventh-round pick to a legendary man and player. He played 13 seasons with the team and made 10 straight Pro Bowls. He finished his career totaling 24 interceptions, 17 fumble recoveries, and two top-five MVP finishes. His number was officially retired by the team and he was inducted into both the College and Pro Football Hall.
Even more than that, he made an incredible impact on the organization and the people around him. He is survived by his wife and five children. May the legend rest in peace.
Related: Detroit Lions: Pro Football Hall of Fame Linebacker Joe Schmidt Dies at 92
