Former Lions linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Joe Schmidt has died at the age of 92.
Schmidt was selected in the seventh round in 1953 and helped the Lions win the NFL championship as a rookie. The team added another player in 1957 and Schmidt spent 13 seasons as a leading member of Detroit’s defense. He was voted All-Pro eight times and was a member of the NFL’s 100th Anniversary Team before becoming the Lions’ head coach in 1967.
Schmidt recorded a 43-34-7 record in that role and led the Lions to the playoffs once before resigning after the 1973 season.
“Joe Schmidt had the heart of a lion, and so it was only fitting that he was the heart of our team as well,” Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford said in a statement. “Joe was an important part of our championship seasons and remained an important part of our organization until his passing. Joe lived in Detroit and carried his success from the field into our community. I am saddened to hear of his passing, but I have only fond memories of the person he was. I extend my deepest condolences to Marilyn and his children.”
Schmidt was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and his No. 56 has been retired by the Lions. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
