Joe Schmidt, a cornerstone of the Detroit Lions’ defense during their championship years and later the team’s head coach, has died at 92. The Pro Football Hall of Famer passed away on September 11, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of NFL history.
Born in Pittsburgh, Schmidt’s football journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he played as a fullback and guard before finding his true calling as a linebacker. Schmidt was driven by a fierce determination to silence his critics. Throughout his journey, he encountered plenty of naysayers who doubted him, claiming he was too small and not cut out for the game. Rather than let their negativity get him down, he used it as fuel, turning their doubts into a personal challenge with the mindset of proving them all wrong.
The Detroit Lions took a chance on Schmidt, selecting him in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft. It was a decision that would shape the franchise for years to come. Schmidt’s arrival coincided with a golden era for the Lions, as the team had just won the NFL championship the previous year. The rookie linebacker wasted no time making an impact, helping Detroit successfully defend their title in his first season.
His imposing presence, speed, savvy, and tackling ability made him a formidable force on the field. As the game evolved, Schmidt’s skills became even more valuable, cementing his place as one of the first great middle linebackers in pro football history.
Schmidt’s dedication and skill were evident throughout his 13-year playing career with the Lions. He was selected for the Pro Bowl for ten consecutive years from 1955 to 1964, an impressive streak that showcased his consistency and dominance. Schmidt’s contributions were crucial to the Lions’ success, helping the team secure another NFL championship in 1957.
One of the most memorable moments of Schmidt’s career came during a 1957 playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. The Lions were in a dire situation, trailing 27-7 in the third quarter. However, with Schmidt anchoring the defense, Detroit mounted a remarkable comeback, ultimately winning the game 31-27. At the time, this was the largest comeback in NFL postseason history, a record that would stand for over three decades.
Schmidt’s impact on the game went beyond his on-field performances. After retiring as a player in 1965, he seamlessly transitioned into coaching. He began as the Lions’ linebackers coach before becoming head coach in 1967. Schmidt held this position for six seasons, compiling a respectable record of 43-35-7.
The football world recognized Schmidt’s contributions to the sport with numerous accolades. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973, just eight years after his playing career ended. His collegiate achievements were also honored with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. In a testament to his enduring legacy, Schmidt was named to the NFL’s All-Time Team in 2019 as part of the league’s centennial celebration.
Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, praised Schmidt’s significant influence on the game. He spoke of how Schmidt competed during a golden era of NFL middle linebackers, with many of his peers considering him their most formidable opponent. Porter mentioned that the play was effectively over when Schmidt reached the ball carrier. Despite his dominance on the field, Porter said that Schmidt never sought the spotlight, allowing his performance to speak for itself.
Schmidt’s statistical achievements are equally impressive. For his 155-game career, he recorded 24 interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and 17 fumble recoveries. These numbers, while significant, only tell part of the story of Schmidt’s influence on the game.
The Detroit Lions organization felt a deep sense of loss with the passing of their legendary player and coach. Martha Firestone Ford, the Lions’ owner and chair emeritus, reflected on Schmidt’s legacy, saying his fierce spirit truly represented the heart of a Lion and made him the backbone of the team. Schmidt was a crucial part of the championship season and remained an important figure in the Lions family until his passing.
Schmidt’s connection to Detroit extended beyond his playing and coaching days. He made the city his home and remained an active community member long after he retired from football. His legacy with the Lions was further cemented when he was named an inaugural member of the team’s ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions.