One the greatest Detroit Lions in the franchise’s long history has passed away. Linebacker Joe Schmidt, a fixture in the middle of the Detroit defense from 1953 to 1965, was 92 and had been in hospice care.
Schmidt was a 10-time All-Pro as a middle linebacker and the centerpiece of two Lions championship squads. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
Schmidt also coached the Lions from 1967 to 1972. He was a member of the NFL’s top 100 players of all-time. His No. 56 is retired by the Lions.
Our deepest sympathies are with Schmidt’s loved ones and Lion
