Middle linebacker Joe Schmidt was crucial to the Detroit Lions' success in their prime. Schmidt, a dynamic player who changed his position, led the Lions to two NFL titles, 10 Pro Bowl honors, eight All-Pro teams, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Schmidt died Wednesday, his family said. His age was 92. "Joe Schmidt played in a golden era of NFL middle linebackers, and many of his peers considered him the toughest opponent they faced,
Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said Thursday. "The play ended when Joe Schmidt reached the ball carrier. However, he never sought publicity. He let his play speak.
Schmidt played 13 seasons for the Lions and was their head coach from 1967 to 1972, amassing a 43-34-7 record with four wins and one playoff berth. The 1973 Pro Football Hall of Famer was on the NFL All-Time 100th Anniversary Team and the All-1950s team.
"We mourn Joe Schmidt's death. Joe spent his entire career in Detroit and was a Lion "Said the Lions. "Joe was an enduring link to our Championship era and one of the proudest Lions you will ever meet."
Schmidt, a College Hall of Famer and 1953 NFL Draft seventh-round pick from Pittsburgh, joined a 1952 NFL Championship-winning Lions team. Due to several college injuries, the youngster fell in the draft, but he immediately proved he could start on the NFL's top team.
Schmidt started on the 1953 Lions championship team and earned his first of 10 consecutive Pro Bowls a season later.
Schmidt led and was consistent in addition to his field professors. He started every game in his first seven seasons and captained the squad for nine of his 13 years.