Joe Schmidt, a key player of the Detroit Lions during their championship years and later their head coach, has died at the age of 92. Schmidt, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, passed away on September 11, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. His legacy spans decades of NFL history.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Schmidt started his football career at the University of Pittsburgh. Originally a fullback and guard, he found his true passion in the position of a linebacker. His journey was not without criticism; many doubted his size and abilities. However, Schmidt used these doubts as motivation to prove his critics wrong.
The Detroit Lions selected Schmidt in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft, a decision that would significantly influence the team’s future. The Lions had just won the NFL championship the previous year, and Schmidt’s rookie season saw them successfully defend their title.
Schmidt’s speed, presence, intelligence, and tackling skills made him an essential part of the field. As the sport evolved, his abilities became even more crucial, solidifying his status as one of pro football’s earliest great middle linebackers.
Throughout his 13-year career with the Lions, Schmidt’s dedication and skill shone brightly. He was selected to the Pro Bowl ten times in a row from 1955 to 1964, a testament to his consistent dominance. Schmidt played a significant role in the Lions’ success, aiding them to win another NFL championship in 1957.
A standout moment in Schmidt’s career was the 1957 playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. The Lions were lagging 27-7 in the third quarter, but under Schmidt’s leadership, they made a remarkable comeback, winning the game 31-27. This was the most significant comeback in NFL postseason history at the time, a record that remained unbroken for over 30 years.
After retiring from playing in 1965, Schmidt transitioned into a coaching role. He initially served as the Lions’ linebackers coach before becoming head coach in 1967. Schmidt held this role for six seasons, amassing a respectable record of 43-35-7.
Schmidt’s contributions to football were recognized with several awards. In 1973, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and in 2000, he was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2019, he was named to the NFL’s All-Time Team as part of the league’s centennial celebration.
Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, lauded Schmidt’s significant impact on football. He highlighted that Schmidt competed during a golden era of NFL middle linebackers and was considered a formidable opponent by his peers. Porter noted that once Schmidt reached the ball carrier, the play was effectively over. Despite his dominance, Schmidt never sought attention, letting his performance speak for itself.
In his 155-game career, Schmidt recorded 24 interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and 17 fumble recoveries. While these are impressive statistics, they only partly reflect Schmidt’s influence on the sport.
The Detroit Lions organization expressed profound sadness at the loss of their legendary player and coach. Martha Firestone Ford, the Lions’ owner and chair emeritus, noted that Schmidt’s fierce spirit truly embodied the heart of a Lion, making him the backbone of the team. Schmidt played a vital role in the championship season and remained a significant figure in the Lions family.
Schmidt’s ties with Detroit, Michigan extended beyond his football career. He lived in the city and remained an active community member after retiring from football. His legacy with the Lions was strengthened when he was named an inaugural member of the team’s ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions.
