Detroit Lions Legend, Soccer Corridor of Famer Joe Schmidt Lifeless At 92

Detroit Lions legend and Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Joe Schmidt handed away on Wednesday, the workforce introduced. He was 92 years outdated.

“Joe Schmidt had the guts of a Lion,” workforce proprietor Martha Firestone Ford stated on Thursday … “which made it applicable that he was additionally the guts of our workforce.”

“Joe was a key a part of our Championship seasons and continued to be an vital a part of our group till his passing.”

The 6-foot-1-inch linebacker is taken into account the “Best Lion Ever” after spending his 13-year NFL profession in Detriot. He had 24 interceptions, 17 compelled fumbles, and three touchdowns, and an entire bunch of tackles.

His efficiency on the sphere earned him two NFL Championships (what we now know because the Tremendous Bowl since 1968) and he was named a First Workforce All-Professional on eight events. He made 10 Professional Bowls.

“Joe was a permanent hyperlink to our Championship period and one of many proudest Lions you’ll ever meet,” the workforce stated.

After retiring as a participant in 1966, Schmidt joined the Lions teaching workers, serving as linebacker’s coach the following yr. He was promoted to HC the next season and had a 43-34-7 file in six seasons, with one playoff start.

He was inducted into the Professional Soccer HOF in 1973.

Schmidt additionally had a brief stint in Hollywood … enjoying himself in “Paper Lion” earlier than diving into the automobile enterprise with Joe Schmidt Enterprises.

He’s survived by his spouse, Marilyn, and 5 kids.

R.I.P.