Joe Schmidt, a two-time NFL champion linebacker, has died. He was 92.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2):format(webp)/Joe-Schmidt307-09122024-e4c137aea93245dd8aa8d9626d323381.jpg)
The Detroit Lions star — who played and coached for the team from 1953 to 1972 before his Hall of Fame induction in 1973 — died on Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Lions announced the following day.
“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,” the Lions’ Sept. 12 statement read. “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.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2):format(webp)/Joe-Schmidt306-09122024-f45c65411eb44da0ad6bcc315538bde6.jpg)
Here’s the revised version with improved grammar and flow:
“He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and was one of the inaugural members of our team’s ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions, ensuring his place in our history forever,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Marilyn, and the entire Schmidt family as we mourn his passing.”
As a player, Schmidt helped the Lions win NFL championships in 1953 and 1957. After his playing career ended in 1965, he began coaching the linebackers the following year. He became the head coach in 1967, serving in that role until 1972.
