The family of Detroit Lions legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Joe Schmidt has announced that he has passed away at the age of 92. In addition to playing for the Lions for 13 glorious seasons that saw the team win two NFL Championships, Schmidt served as the team’s head coach from 1967-1972.
“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,” Jim Porter, the President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame said. “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.”
Detroit Lions Legend Joe Schmidt Was One of the Best Players of His Era
Schmidt was first drafted by the Lions in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft. It was not long before he was widely recognized as one of the best linebackers in the game.
From 1954-1963, Schmidt made 10 Pro Bowls and was named First Team All-Pro seven times.
The Lions won the NFL Championship in 1953, his first season in the NFL. They won it again in 1957 when he was voted team captain.
The Lions franchise released the following statement:
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Schmidt. Joe was a Lion through and through, having spent his entire career in Detroit/ Joe was an enduring link to our Championship era and one of the proudest Lions you will ever meet.”
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