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Former Detroit Lions linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Schmidt died on Wednesday. He was 92 years old.
Regarded as one of the best defensive players of his era, Schmidt helped lead the Lions to NFL championships in 1953 and 1957.
"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," the team said in a statement. "Joe was an enduring link to our Championship era and one of the proudest Lions you will ever meet.