Joe Schmidt, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, passed away on September 11. He was 92. Schmidt played linebacker for the Detroit Lions for thirteen seasons, 1953 to 1965. He played on the Lions’ NFL Championship teams of 1953 and 1957, he made the Pro Bowl ten times, and he was named First Team All-Pro eight times.
After retiring as a player, Schmidt stayed with the Lions to coach. He was the team’s head coach from 1967 to 1972, compiling a career 43-34-7 record and making the playoffs once, in 1970.
Schmidt played college football for the University of Pittsburgh, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
Today’s card of the day is Schmidt’s rookie card, a 1956 Topps. He appeared on many more cards, as well.
