Lions Hall of Fame linebacker Joe Schmidt has passed away at the age of 92

According to multiple reports, and announced by the team, Detroit Lions' Hall of Fame linebacker Joe Schmidt passed away on Wednesday. He was 92 years old.

Here are statements from the team and principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Schmidt. Joe was a Lion through and through, having spent his entire career in Detroit, including 13 years as a linebacker and six seasons as our head coach. He patrolled the middle of our defense with such ferocity that he was named to 10 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1955 to 1964. Joe was an enduring link to our Championship era and one of the proudest Lions you will ever meet. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and was an inaugural member of our team's ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions, which will ensure his place in our history forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Marilyn, and the entire Schmidt family as we all mourn his passing."

"I am heartbroken to learn of Joe Schmidt's passing. Joe was one of the greatest players to ever wear the Honolulu Blue and Silver. He played a brand of football that struck fear into the entire league and propelled our franchise to two championships. My family and I will be forever grateful for Joe's contributions to the Lions organization, and we are praying for his family during this difficult time."
-Sheila Ford Hamp

Lions' Hall of Famer Joe Schmidt has passed away at age-92

Selected by the Lions out of the University of Pittsburgh in the 1953 NFL Draft, Schmidt spent all 13 seasons of his playing career in Detroit. He was a key member of the Lions' championship teams in 1953 and 1957, earning 10 Pro Bowl selections (tied for most all-time by a Lions' player) and eight First Team All-Pro nods in his career.

Schmidt was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1950's, and the 100th anniversary All-Time team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Schmidt is regarded as a pioneer of the middle linebacker position when the NFL shifted to 4-3 defensive alignments. He also helped organize what became the NFL Player's Association in the 1950's, and was at the forefront of getting players training camp pay and pensions.

Schmidt played in an era where tackles were not an official stat. Over 155 games (151 starts), he had 24 interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries.

After his playing career ended, Schmidt spent the 1966 season as the Lions' linebackers coach. He was named the team's head coach the next year, and over six seasons (1967-1972) he had a 43-34-7 regular season record with a playoff loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970 Divisional Round.

Schmidt is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and five children.