NFL legend Joe Schmidt who helped Lions to two championships dead at 92 Joe Schmidt a Hall of Fame linebacker and one of the most revered figures in Detroit Lions history has passed away at the age of 92 the Lions confirmed his death on Wednesday with his family releasing the news though the cause of death remains undisclosed Schmidt a seventh round draft pick in 1953 helped lead the Lions to two NFL championships during his remarkable career he played 13 season as a linebacker earning 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1955 to 1964 and was known for his Fierce play in leadership on the field Schmidt later transitioned to coaching spending six seasons as the Lions head coach from 1967 to 1972 we are deeply saddened to learn of Joe Schmidt's passing he embodied what it meant to be a lion both as a player and Coach the lion said in a statement his contributions to our team's Legacy are immeasurable and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest Lions of all time Schmidt was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and was a key figure in Detroit's celebrated 1957 comeback victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL playoffs he remained closely connected to the Lions organization and Community leaving an indelible mark on the city of Detroit our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marilyn and the entire Schmidt Family during this difficult time the Lions added Schmidt's Legacy will live on both through his contributions on the field and his lasting impact on the Lions franchise