The Detroit Lions are one of the most storied organizations in the NFL. Originally named the Portsmouth Spartans in 1930, they would eventually relocate and rename the team as the Lions in 1934.
More news: These Aren’t Your Father’s Detroit Lions as GM Proclaims Super Bowl Expectations
Between the 1935 and 1957 seasons, the Lions would secure four NFL Championships during that time. Two of those championships occurred in 1953 and 1957 in large part to Hall of Famer and legendary Lions linebacker, Joe Schmidt, who passed away at the age of 92 years old.
The Lions posted a tribute video to Schmidt on X, which showcases his illustrious career.
Schmidt was a seventh-round pick in the 1953 NFL Draft and would help the Lions secure the 1953 NFL Championship as a rookie. He would secure two interceptions in his rookie season.
During the 1954 season, Schmidt emerged even more as a defensive threat for the Lions en route to his first All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: (L-R) Former Detroit Lions players and Pro Football Hall-of-Fame members Lem Barney, Joe Schmidt and Barry Sanders pose for a photo prior to receiving their Pro Football Hall of Fame Rings of Excellence during a halftime show of the game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on October 18, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Bears in overtime 37-34. Lions legend Joe Schmidt dies at 92 years old.
Mark Cunningham/Detroit Lions/Getty Images
Schmidt continued his dominance as a linebacker through 12 seasons, securing eight First-team All-Pro nods, two Second-Team All-Pro nods, and 10-time Pro Bowl nods.
Schmidt would also have his No. 56 retired by the team, is part of the Pride of Lions, NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, a member of the Pride of the Lions, Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team, and the Detroit Lions All-Time Team.
Schmidt would secure a staggering 24 interceptions, 297 interception yards, two defensive touchdowns, and 17 fumble recoveries throughout his career.
After dominating as a player, Schmidt would shift his efforts to coaching. He would first emerge as the linebackers coach for the team in 1966. After a year in that role, the Lions would make him the head coach from 1967 to 1972.
During Schmidt’s time as the Lions coach, he would secure a 43-34-7 record. He would help the Lions get to the playoffs in 1970, but would not produce another playoff run in his time as head coach.
Not many players in the NFL were as dominant as a player and would also see success as a coach, but Schmidt proved to be that person.
The above video showcases plenty of interviews from people who know about Schmidt’s amazing career, including first-hand accounts from the man himself.
Schmidt admitted that he felt he had no chance to make the Lions given they were champions the season before. However, even as a seventh-round pick, he was given the chance to showcase his passion on the gridiron.
The rest, as they say, is history. Rest in peace to an NFL legend.
