legendary NFL Hall of Famer and former Detroit Lions linebacker, passed away at the age of 92. Schmidt, a two-time NFL champion, was described by the team as “one of the proudest Lions you will ever meet.” He spent his entire career with the Lions from 1953 to 1972, playing as a linebacker for 13 years and later coaching the team for six seasons. Schmidt’s fierce play on defense earned him 10 straight Pro Bowl selections from 1955 to 1964.
In a statement released on Sept. 12, the Lions honored Schmidt’s legacy, calling him “a Lion through and through,” noting his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and his inclusion in the team’s ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions. The organization expressed their condolences to his wife, Marilyn, and the Schmidt family.
Schmidt played a key role in helping the Lions secure NFL championships in 1953 and 1957. After retiring as a player in 1965, he transitioned to coaching, ultimately leading the team as head coach from 1967 to 1972. Former Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford remembered him as “the heart of our team,” praising both his contributions on the field and his lasting presence in the Detroit community.
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