Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Detroit Lions player and coach, Joe Schmidt, has passed away at the age of 92. Schmidt, who was a key figure in the Lions’ defense during their championship years, died on September 11, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He leaves behind a rich legacy that spans several decades of NFL history.

Schmidt was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and his football journey started at the University of Pittsburgh. He initially played as a fullback and guard before discovering his true talent as a linebacker. Despite facing criticism and doubt about his size and suitability for the game, Schmidt used these challenges as motivation to prove his detractors wrong.

The Detroit Lions decided to take a chance on Schmidt, drafting him in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft. This decision marked a turning point for the franchise. Schmidt joined the Lions at a fortunate time, just after they had won the NFL championship. As a rookie linebacker, he quickly made an impact, helping the Lions defend their championship title in his first season.

Schmidt’s speed, intelligence, tackling ability, and commanding presence made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. As the sport evolved, these skills proved invaluable, establishing Schmidt as one of the first significant middle linebackers in professional football history.

Throughout his 13-year playing career with the Lions, Schmidt’s commitment and skill were evident. He was selected for the Pro Bowl ten consecutive times from 1955 to 1964, a testament to his consistent excellence. Schmidt played a key role in the Lions’ success, aiding the team in securing another NFL championship in 1957.

One standout moment in Schmidt’s career was a 1957 playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. With the Lions trailing 27-7 in the third quarter, Schmidt’s defensive leadership helped the team stage an incredible comeback, winning the game 31-27. This was the largest comeback in NFL postseason history at the time, a record that remained unbroken for over thirty years.

After retiring as a player in 1965, Schmidt transitioned into coaching. He started as the Lions’ linebackers coach before becoming head coach in 1967. Schmidt held this position for six seasons, achieving a decent record of 43-35-7.

Schmidt’s significant contributions to football have been recognized with numerous accolades. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973, just eight years after his playing career ended. Schmidt was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. His enduring legacy was further acknowledged when he was named to the NFL’s All-Time Team in 2019 during the league’s centennial celebration.

Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, acknowledged Schmidt’s significant impact on the game. He discussed how Schmidt was a formidable opponent during a golden era of NFL middle linebackers, and how the play was effectively over once Schmidt reached the ball carrier. Porter also mentioned that Schmidt never sought attention, instead letting his performance do the talking.

Looking at Schmidt’s statistics, his influence on the game is clear. Over his 155-game career, he recorded 24 interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and 17 fumble recoveries. These numbers, while significant, only partially illustrate Schmidt’s overall impact on the sport.

The Detroit Lions organization expressed a profound sense of loss at the passing of their iconic player and coach. Martha Firestone Ford, the Lions’ owner and chair emeritus, spoke of Schmidt’s legacy, stating his tenacious spirit embodied the essence of a Lion and made him a foundational figure for the team. Schmidt played a crucial role in the championship season and remained a beloved figure within the Lions family until his passing.

Schmidt’s connection to Detroit, Michigan, extended beyond his playing and coaching career. He chose to make the city his home, and continued to contribute to the community long after retiring from football. His enduring legacy with the Lions was further recognized when he was named an inaugural member of the team’s ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions.