Joe Schmidt, the legendary Hall of Fame linebacker for the Detroit Lions, has died at the age of 92. His family informed the Lions of his death on Wednesday, though the cause was not disclosed. Schmidt, celebrated for his outstanding defensive play, helped the Lions secure NFL championships in 1953 and 1957.
A Pittsburgh native, Schmidt's football journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he initially played fullback and guard before excelling as a linebacker. Drafted by Detroit in 1953, he became an essential part of the Lions' defense, known for his speed and tackling prowess. His tenacity earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl for ten consecutive years from 1955 to 1964, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973. After retiring as a player, Schmidt continued with the Lions as head coach from 1967 to 1972, achieving a 43-35-7 record. His legacy was cemented as part of the NFL's All-Time Team in 2019.
Reflecting on his career, Schmidt said in 2017, "I had so many people tell me that I was too small. That I couldn't play. I had so many negative people say negative things about me ... that it makes you feel good inside. I said, 'OK, I'll prove it to you.'" (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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