The Detroit Lions are mourning the passing of a player and coach who was a part of the team’s 1950s glory days.
Hall-of-Fame linebacker Joe Schmidt, who played for the Lions during their 1950s NFL dynasty, died Wednesday in Allen Park, Michigan, according to a statement from his family. He was 92.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Schmidt,” read a statement from the Lions. “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.”
Schmidt was born in 1932 in Pittsburgh and played his college ball for the University of Pittsburgh. The Detroit Lions drafted him in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft.
For 12 seasons, Schmidt was a key part of the Lions’ defence. He played in 155 games, picked off 24 opposing passes, recovered 17 fumbles, and scored three defensive touchdowns.
He was a member of the Lions’ NFL Championship teams in 1953 and 1957.
Schmidt was named to ten straight NFL Pro Bowl teams, from 1954 to 1963.
After retiring as a player, Schmidt joined the Lions’ coaching staff in 1966, guiding the linebackers. He was promoted to head coach in 1967 and served until his resignation after the 1972 season, compiling a 43-34-7 record.
Schmidt was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973, and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
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