On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions lost a legendary part of their team and family. On Wednesday, Joe Schmidt, who was 92 years old, passed away.
During his time with the Lions, Schmidt was selected for eight first teams All-Pro selections and won two Super Bowls. For the team and the NFL as a whole, he was an all-time great and a true legend. In addition, he led the Lions as their head coach from 1967 to 1972, leading them to a 43-34-7 overall record. In 1973, he was elected into the Hall of Fame after leading the team to four winning seasons.
During his time with the Lions, Schmidt was selected for eight first teams All-Pro selections and won two Super Bowls. For the team and the NFL as a whole, he was an all-time great and a true legend. In addition, he led the Lions as their head coach from 1967 to 1972, leading them to a 43-34-7 overall record. In 1973, he was elected into the Hall of Fame after leading the team to four winning seasons.
Hall of Famer and Detroit Lions Saddened by the Loss
The Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Lions both released lengthy, sincere statements honoring the guy and the amazing influence he had:
Sheila Ford Hamp, the chair and major owner of the Lions, expressed her grief over Joe Schmidt’s demise in a statement. “Among the best players to ever don the Honolulu Blue and Silver was Joe.” He guided our team to two championships and instilled dread in the league with the way he played football. We will always be appreciative of Joe’s efforts to the Lions organization, and my family and I are praying for his family at this trying time.
A statement was offered by the Hall of Fame president as well
“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.” Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said in a statement, “Joe Schmidt played in a golden era of middle linebackers in the NFL, and many of his peers considered him the toughest opponent they faced.”
Schmidt became a great man and athlete after being selected in the seventh round. He was a member of the team for 13 seasons and was a 10-time Pro Bowl player. 24 interceptions, 17 fumble recoveries, and two top-five MVP performances were all part of his career total in the end. The team formally retired his number, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the College Football Hall.
More than that, he had a profound effect on the group as well as others in his immediate vicinity. His wife and five children survive him. Peace be upon the legendary figure.
