On September 11, 2024, the Detroit Lions, the NFL, and football fans around the world lost one of the greats. Joe Schmidt, a Hall of Famer who spent his entire 13-year career with the Lions, passed away at the age of 92. Schmidt not only left an indelible mark on the field but also became a part of the very fabric of Detroit and its storied football history. His exceptional contributions to the sport deserve a fitting tribute.
Schmidt's journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he showed early signs of promise, despite dealing with a litany of injuries including “two broken ribs, a broken wrist, a separated shoulder, a wrenched knee, torn knee cartilage, and a concussion that put him in the hospital for 10 days” (CNN). Drafted in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft by the Lions, Schmidt quickly showcased his talent by helping the team defend their NFL championship title during his rookie season.
Known for his formidable presence on the field, Schmidt was dubbed “the heart of our defense” by many. His accolades include 24 career interceptions, 17 fumble recoveries, and three defensive touchdowns over 155 games. He was a Pro Bowl selection for 10 consecutive years from 1955 to 1964 and played a pivotal role in the Lions’ 1957 NFL Championship (Fox News). Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, aptly described Schmidt: “When Joe Schmidt got to the ball carrier, that was the end of the play. And yet, he never sought out attention. He let his play do the talking” (KESQ).
Schmidt’s loyalty to the Lions did not end with his playing days. He transitioned to coaching, first serving as the team’s linebackers coach before landing the head coach role in 1967. Over six seasons, Schmidt compiled a 43-34-7 record, leaving another layer to his already impressive legacy (Detroit Free Press). He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and remains a foundational figure in the history of the Detroit Lions.
Beyond statistics and records, Schmidt was an integral part of the Detroit community. Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford highlighted his impact: “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” (CNN).
In a touching anecdote, Schmidt’s daughter reflected on his enduring bond with former teammate Bobby Layne. Marrying the emotional and the nostalgic, she quipped that Schmidt should lift the curse he placed on the Lions when he got to heaven. This light-hearted tribute underscores the genuine connections Schmidt crafted during his life and career (Detroit Free Press).
Joe Schmidt’s legacy will forever be enshrined in the annals of football history. As fans, we celebrate not just his incredible athletic prowess, but also his dedication, humility, and the heart of a true Lion. Rest in peace, Joe Schmidt.
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Joe Schmidt, Detroit Lions linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Famer, dies aged 92 – KION546 from CNN
Joe Schmidt, Detroit Lions linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Famer, dies aged 92 from KESQ
NFL legend Joe Schmidt, who helped Lions to 2 championships, dead at 92 from Fox News
Daughter told Joe Schmidt to have Bobby Layne lift Lions' curse when he got to heaven from Detroit Free Press