Schmidt who had been receiving Hospice Care died on September 11th Joe Schmidt played during a golden era of middle linebackers in the NFL and many of his contemporaries regarded him as the toughest opponent they ever faced said Jim Porter president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame when Joe Schmidt made a play it was usually the end of the line for the ball carrier despite his dominance on the field he shunned the Limelight and let his performance speak for itself drafted in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft by the Lions out of the University of Pittsburgh Schmidt joined the team at a time when they were the defending NFL champions despite a college career plagued by injuries including broken ribs a fractured wrist a separated shoulder a wrenched knee torn knee cartilage a concussion and a hemorrhage that hospitalized him for 10 days Schmidt did not miss a game during his rookie season he contributed with two interceptions as the Lions retained their title Schmidt spent his entire 13-year NFL career with Detroit helping the Lions secure another championship in 1957 throughout his career he missed just 11 games a 10-time Pro Bowl selection from 1955 to 1964 Schmidt retired in 1965 at the age of 33 the Lions honored him as the greatest defensive player in Lions history over his career Schmidt recorded 24 interceptions three defensive touchdowns and 17 fumble recoveries in 155 games games following his playing career Schmidt returned to the Lions as a linebacker coach and later served as the team's head coach from 1967 to 1972 compiling a record of 43- 347 inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 Schmidt was also named to the NFL 100 alltime team Lion's owner chair am Meritus Martha Firestone Ford expressed her condolences saying Joe Schmidt had the heart of a lion which made him the emotional core of our team he was integral to our Championship seasons and remained a vital part of our organization until his passing Joe made Detroit his home and continued his success off the field in our community I am deeply saddened by his loss and extend my heartfelt sympathies to Marilyn and his children