Joe Schmidt, Class of 1972

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The Detroit Lions selected Joe Schmidt from the University of Pittsburgh in the seventh round of the 1953 NFL Draft.

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It didn't take long for Schmidt to establish himself as the defensive leader of the Lions.

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Joe Schmidt developed into an exceptional field leader with a natural talent to diagnose foe's plays.

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Later in his career, he was the team's field captain for nine straight seasons.

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Joe Schmidt gained a reputations as a deadly tackler.

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He was fast enough to evade a 250-pound guard, to follow a play along the line or to drop back to cover a pass.

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Schmidt possessed great strength allowing him to plow past a blocker and make the play.

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Schmidt was voted to the All-NFL team 10 times and was elected to 10 straight Pro Bowls (1955-1964). His teammates voted him their Most Valuable Player four times.

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Joe Schmidt recorded 24 INTs during his career and recovered 17 fumbles.

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Joe Schmidt was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

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Joe Schmidt delivers his enshrinement speech from the front steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Joe Schmidt wore this helmet during his Hall of Fame career. It is now a part of our permanent collection.

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Joe Schmidt's Hall of Fame mural.

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Joe Schmidt's Hall of Fame bust.

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Joe (right) also served as the Lions head coach from 1967-1972.

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Joe Schmidt pauses to pose for a photo during an Enshrinent Festival autograph session in 2003.