a premier middle linebacker in the 1950s and 60s Joe Smith's quickness and strength allowed him to play against the run and pass but it was his intelligence and Keen instinct to read offenses that helped to evolve the position to the so-called quarterback of the defense selected by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL draft from the University of Pittsburgh Schmid immediately contributed to the team and helped lead the Lions to their second straight NFL championship against the Cleveland Browns highlighted by his Force fumble against autogr which led to a do Walker touchdown four years later Smith once again led the Lions defense that caused seven turnovers including his own interception against the Browns to win the 1957 League Crown during his 133-year career Schmidt scored three touchdowns off turnovers and recovered 17 fumbles eight of which came in the 1955 season he earned eight First Team all pro nods and was voted to 10 straight Pro bowls Smith was selected to the NFL's all decade team for the 1950s the NFL 100 alltime team and was elected to to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 first off I'd like to thank the good Lord for giving me the athletic ability to play football I think he reached down and smiled on Raymond and Jim and myself with football Instinct and that's why we are here today it wouldn't be for that we certainly wouldn't be be here you have to have the instinct to play this great game [Music]