The football world mourns the loss of Joe Schmidt, an NFL legend and former Detroit Lions linebacker and head coach, whose extraordinary career left an indelible mark on the sport. Schmidt, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, was known for his fierce tackling and leadership on the field, helping the Lions secure championships in 1953 and 1957. He was twice named the league’s most valuable defensive player in 1960 and 1963.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Schmidt rose to prominence at the University of Pittsburgh before being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft. Over his 13-year playing career, Schmidt was regarded as one of the best linebackers of his era, earning eight first-team All-Pro selections and shaping the role of the middle linebacker in modern football.
After retiring as a player in 1966, Schmidt took on the challenge of head coaching the Detroit Lions, leading the team to a 10-4 record and a playoff appearance in 1970. His legacy was cemented in 1973 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with further honors in the College Football Hall of Fame and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
Schmidt’s passing has drawn tributes from around the sports world, with many acknowledging his contributions to both the Lions’ history and the NFL at large. The last living star of the Lions’ 1957 championship team, Schmidt’s impact on football remains unparalleled.