Schmidt, Joseph P.
Football
b. Jan. 18, 1932, Pittsburgh, PA
A series of injuries limited Schmidt's effectiveness at the University of Pittsburgh, and he wasn't chosen until the seventh round of the 1953 NFL college draft, when the Detroit Lions selected him.
The 6-foot, 222-pound Schmidt was so impressive in training camp that the Lions traded veteran linebacker Dick Flanagan to make room for him, and Schmidt became the team's starting middle linebacker.
He starred at the position for thirteen seasons. A feared blitzer in passing situations, he could also overpower blockers to make the tackle on running plays and he was fast enough to cover tight ends and backs. Running back John Henry Johnson once complained about Schmidt, "He is always in the way."
An All-Pro in 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1961, and 1962, Schmidt tied with Philadelphia quarterback Norm Van Brocklin for the Associated Press player of the year award in 1960. He retired after the 1965 season with 24 interceptions, which he returned for 294 yards and two touchdowns.
Schmidt coached the Lions to a 43-34-7 record from 1967 through 1972. His 1970 team won 10 and lost 4 games during the regular season, but was defeated by Dallas 5-0 in the first round of the playoffs.