Joe Schmidt
Inducted:
1973
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
220 lb (100 kg)
Born:
January 19, 1932
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:
September 11, 2024
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
Coach
College:
Pittsburgh
Joe Schmidt was the heart and soul of the Detroit Lions’ defense during the 1950s and 1960s, embodying intelligence, toughness, and leadership at middle linebacker. Born in 1932, Schmidt joined the Lions in 1953 and quickly became the anchor of their defense, helping the team win two NFL Championships (1953, 1957). Known for his exceptional field awareness and ability to diagnose plays, he earned 10 Pro Bowl selections and 8 First-Team All-Pro honors over his 13-year career.
Beyond his playing brilliance, Schmidt was admired for his discipline and command on the field — often serving as the “coach in uniform.” After retiring as a player, he went on to coach the Lions, continuing to influence the team he loved. His combination of skill, intellect, and leadership made him one of the most respected linebackers of all time. Joe Schmidt was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
Schmidt's Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL champion (1953, 1957)
- 8× First-team All-Pro (1954–1959, 1961, 1962)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1960, 1963)
- 10× Pro Bowl (1954–1963)
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
NFL Records
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- One of the first great modern middle linebackers
- Served as player-coach in final season, later became Lions head coach
- Anchored one of the NFL’s toughest defenses of the 1950s
NFL Teams
As Player-
Detroit Lions (1953–1965)
As Coach-
Detroit Lions (1966–1972)
NFL Draft:
1953: 7th round, 85th overall pick
Detroit Lions
Number Worn:
40
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1953–1965)
Games played:
155
Game Started:
151
Interceptions:
24
Interception yards:
294
Touchdowns:
2
Fumble recoveries:
17
Total touchdowns:
3
Head coaching record:
Regular season:
43–34–7 (.554)
Career:
43–35–7 (.547)
