Former Lions linebacker and head coach Joe Schmidt passed away yesterday, the team announced. The Hall of Famer was 92. 
Schmidt was selected in the seventh round of the 1953 draft, and he immediately became a standout contributor. The following season saw him earn the first of 10 consecutive Pro Bowl invitations – tied for a franchise record – and Schmidt also began a string of All-Pro honors during that span. He collected a first- or second-team nod every campaign from 1954-62. A key figure in his team’s success, Schmidt helped lead the Lions to two NFL championships (1953 and ’57) and earned a place on the 1950s All-Decade team.
An inaugural member of the Lions’ ring of honor, Schmidt continued his decorated tenure in the Motor City by serving as the team’s head coach from 1967-72. During the final four years of that spell, Detroit posted a winning record before the Pitt alum ended his second football career.
In 1973, Schmidt was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Regarded as the greatest defender in Lions history, he is credited as one of the pioneers for middle linebackers operating as the quarterback of the defense with his style of play.
“Joe Schmidt had the heart of a Lion, which made it appropriate that he was also the heart of our team,” a statement from owner Martha Firestone Ford reads. “Joe was a key part of our championship seasons and continued to be an important part of our organization until his passing. Joe made his home in Detroit and carried his success from the field into our community. I am saddened to hear of his passing, but I have nothing but fond memories of the person he was. I share my deepest condolences with Marilyn and his children.”
Across 159 combined regular and postseason games, Schmidt collected 27 total interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries (including a league-leading eight in 1955) during his career. His No. 56 is retired by the Lions, and he is a member of the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time team.
Joe Schmidt. Another great memory from my childhood. Joe was tough as they come and a great football player. RIP Joe, You are remembered by a Bear fan.
Any nfl films you know of he was in? Never heard of him before. 9 straight AP’s is crazy
In the Bears division in the 60’s you had Nitschke, Butkus and Schmidt. Not to mention Nobis, Willie Lanier and more. Truly was the decade of MLB’s. You should probably start there.
I was asking about the dude the post was about. But thanks for just spitting out a bunch of names that are well known I guess
And I pointed out that the era was dominated by MLB’s and if you were trying to find out about Schmidt that would be a place to start looking in NFL films if you were actually looking to find something. I’m not a reference guide book. Why not just put the guys name in the browser and see what comes up. You’re welcome by the way.
That was…a pretty uncalled for and entitled response. Not to mention out of nowhere.
Would it hurt to at least be thankful for the information?
Ol time football. RIP
RIP Joe…..
A Lions Legend…his memory will be a blessing
I’d actually forgotten the Lions had a ring of honor. Some of the names (Dutch Clark, Lou Creekmur, Alex Wojciechowitz) are so obscure that even the old timers in this forum probably don’t remember them. Joe Schmidt was a good player.
Schmidt was a great player and a winning coach for the Lions. They should have never left Tiger Stadium.
So many of those old stadiums had a great character and atmosphere about them. You just can’t duplicate that aura in a domed environment. I can’t say I’m looking forward to the Bears leaving Soldiers Field.
Anybody who’s ever watched a game in Soldiers Field after Dec 1 would totally disagree with you. Especially me.