Allen Park, Mich.— Detroit Lions Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Schmidt passed away yesterday at the age of 92.
STATEMENT FROM THE DETROIT LIONS
"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Schmidt. Joe was a Lion through and through, having spent his entire career in Detroit, including 13 years as a linebacker and six seasons as our head coach. He patrolled the middle of our defense with such ferocity that he was named to 10 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1955 to 1964. Joe was an enduring link to our Championship era and one of the proudest Lions you will ever meet. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and was an inaugural member of our team's ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions, which will ensure his place in our history forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Marilyn, and the entire Schmidt family as we all mourn his passing."
STATEMENT FROM LIONS OWNER/CHAIR EMERITUS MARTHA FIRESTONE FORD
"Joe Schmidt had the heart of a Lion, which made it appropriate that he was also the heart of our team. Joe was a key part of our Championship seasons and continued to be an important part of our organization until his passing. 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. I share my deepest condolences with Marilyn and his children."
STATEMENT FROM LIONS PRINCIPAL OWNER AND CHAIR SHEILA FORD HAMP
"I am heartbroken to learn of Joe Schmidt's passing. Joe was one of the greatest players to ever wear the Honolulu Blue and Silver. He played a brand of football that struck fear into the entire league and propelled our franchise to two championships. My family and I will be forever grateful for Joe's contributions to the Lions organization, and we are praying for his family during this difficult time."
SCHMIDT'S HALL OF FAME CAREER
Considered the greatest defensive player in Lions history, Joe Schmidt glamorized defense during his era with his intelligence and his "clean but mean" tackling style. He was a leader of two Lions championship teams in the 1950s (1953 and 1957) and played with such distinction that he earned All-Pro honors in 10 of his 13 seasons and earned berths to 10 Pro Bowls (1955-1964), tied for the most all-time by a Lions player. He was also named to the All-Decade Team of the 1950s.
Schmidt didn't exactly create the middle linebacker position, but it was a job that was developed in the 1950s with the change of the ordinary defensive structure to the 4-3 frontal alignment. Without question, he was the first to play the position with such finesse that even the masses in the stands could see the growing value of the "defensive quarterback." In 1960, Schmidt was named NFL MVP not just for defense but for the entire league, a rarity for a defensive player (only four defensive players since 1957 have held that honor). His finished his career with 24 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries.
