Joe Schmidt, a key player in the Detroit Lions’ defense during their championship days and later their head coach, has died at the age of 92. Schmidt, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, passed away on September 11, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, leaving a legacy that spans decades of NFL history.
A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, Schmidt’s football career started at the University of Pittsburgh. Initially, he played as a fullback and guard before eventually transitioning to a linebacker. Many doubted Schmidt’s ability to succeed in the sport due to his size, but he used this criticism as motivation to prove his detractors wrong.
Schmidt was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft, a move that proved beneficial for the team. Schmidt joined the Lions at an opportune time, just after they had won the NFL championship. He immediately made his mark, helping the team to defend their title in his rookie season.
Schmidt’s speed, intelligence, and tackling ability made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. As football evolved, Schmidt’s skills became increasingly valuable, establishing him as one of the first great middle linebackers in professional football history.
During his 13-year tenure with the Lions, Schmidt’s commitment and talent were consistently demonstrated. He earned a Pro Bowl selection for ten straight years from 1955 to 1964, an impressive feat that underscored his consistency and dominance. Schmidt was instrumental in the Lions’ success, aiding the team in clinching another NFL championship in 1957.
In a dramatic 1957 playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, Schmidt’s performance was pivotal. The Lions were down 27-7 in the third quarter. However, with Schmidt leading the defense, the team made a remarkable comeback, ultimately winning the game 31-27. This comeback became the largest in NFL postseason history at the time, a record that remained unbroken for over 30 years.
After retiring as a player in 1965, Schmidt transitioned to coaching, first serving as the Lions’ linebackers coach before taking over as head coach in 1967. He held the position for six seasons, amassing a respectable record of 43-35-7.
Schmidt’s contributions to football were acknowledged with various accolades. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973, a mere eight years after his playing career ended. His college football achievements were also recognized when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. In 2019, Schmidt 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 the sport. He noted that Schmidt played during a golden era of NFL middle linebackers and was considered a formidable opponent by his peers. He added that once Schmidt reached the ball carrier, the play was effectively over. Despite his on-field dominance, Schmidt never sought to be in the spotlight, allowing his performance to speak for itself.
Schmidt’s career statistics are equally impressive. Over his 155-game career, he recorded 24 interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and 17 fumble recoveries. These numbers, while significant, only partially capture Schmidt’s influence on the game.
The passing of Joe Schmidt was deeply felt by the Detroit Lions organization. Martha Firestone Ford, the Lions’ owner and chair emeritus, reflected on Schmidt’s legacy, stating that his spirit truly embodied the heart of a Lion and made him the team’s backbone. Schmidt played a vital role in the championship season and remained a significant figure in the Lions family until his death.
Schmidt’s ties to Detroit, Michigan extended beyond his time on the field and as a coach. He made the city his home and was an active community member even after his retirement from the sport. His legacy with the Lions was further solidified when he was named an inaugural member of the team’s ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions.
