Lions Great Joe Schmidt played 13 seasons in the NFL and was named to 8 All Pro teams. Named to the Hall of Fame in 1973.
Ram Les Josephson can't keep Darris McCord and the rest of that great Detroit Lions defense of the mid-60s converges on an unfortunate Ram runner. The other Lions here are linebackers Joe Schmidt and Ernie Clark. Alex Karras can be been in the background on the left.
![Mid 1950s NFL - Detroit Lions Hall of Fame linebacker Joe Schmidt has the ball as he returns it against the Lions. #21, Carl Karilivacz tries to get a block on [we think] Packer guard Joe Skibinski.](https://nflpastplayers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/joe-schmidt-return-against-green-bay-in-the-1950s.jpg)
Mid 1950s NFL - Detroit Lions Hall of Fame linebacker Joe Schmidt has the ball as he returns it against the Lions. #21, Carl Karilivacz tries to get a block on [we think] Packer guard Joe Skibinski.
Green Bay runner Jim Taylor finds the going tough against Joe Schmidt, Wayne Walker, Dick LeBeau and the rest of the Detroit defense here in this early 1960s contest between the Packers and Lions.
Johnny Unitas comes under a heavy Detroit Lions rush in this Rob Riger photo. At left Lenny Moore does what he can to keep Wayne Walker away but Joe Schmidt and Darris McCord are coming in hot.
Linebacker Joe Schmidt and defensive lineman Roger Brown led the Detroit Lions defense of the early 1960s onto the field.
Rams and Lions, we think from 1961. Joe Schmidt and Darris McCord can be seen as the Lions defense blocks a Danny Villanueva kick. The Lions won this one by a score of 14-13. The other Rams here, if it is from 1961 are rookie Joe Scibelli (#71), vet Frank Varrichione (#70) and Lamar Lundy (#85). The other Lions here closing in could be Yale Lary at the far left, Alex Karras on Schmidt's right, and linebacker Max Messner & Night Train Lane diving in front of Villanueva.
Old School NFL at it's best - Packers & Lions in 1961 - Roger Brown leads the Lions defense in stopping Paul Hornung as Hornung loses the ball. Lots of great names here - From left to right - Wayne Walker (#55), Yale Lary (#28), Joe Schmidt (#56), Night Train Lane (#81), Carl Brettschneider (#57), Bob Skoronski (#76 - Packers), Roger Brown (#76 - Lions, Paul Hornung (#5), Jim Ringo (#51), Darris McCord (#78)
Bears rookie runner Gale Sayers is closed in by Detroit Lions defenders Joe Schmidt and Alex Karras in 1965.
Lions Hall of Fame linebacker from 1953 to 1965 he still ranks #1 among Detroit linebackers with 24 career interceptions.
10 Pro Bowls and 8 All Pro teams, NFL All-1950s Decade Team. Hall of Fame Class of 1973.
Joe Schmidt, Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions treats Green Bay Packers tight end somewhat rudely here in Packers-Lions action of the 1960s NFL.
Lions greats Roger Brown (#76) and Alex Karras (#71) break through the line to stop Packers QB Bart Starr (#15) before he can do anything. In the background linebacker Joe Schmidt (#56) & center Ken Bowmen (#57) are locked in contest.
4 Lions greats from the early 1960s - fullback Nick Pietrosante, Middle Linebacker Joe Schmidt, Defensive Tackle Alex Karras & Quarterback Earl Morrall
Lions Hall of Fame linebacker from 1953 to 1965 he still ranks #1 among Detroit linebackers with 24 career interceptions.
Two Legends from the Old School days of Pro Football. Detroit Lions linebacker Joe Schmidt (#56) moves in to stop Cleveland Browns Great Jim Brown (#32).
Both men are in the NFL Hall of Fame.
From the 1962 Thanksgiving Day win over the Pack - the Lions Legendary Linebacker brings down Bart Starr.
A 7th-round pick from Pittsburgh in 1953 he quickly established himself a the leader of those great Detroit Lions defenses of the 1950s.
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Bringing down Bart Starr
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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Detroit Lion Linebacker Joe Schmidt puts the heat on Cleveland Browns Quarterback Frank Ryan as Ryan just gets off a pass.
Legendary Linebacker Joe Schmidt of the Detroit Lions takes on the block of 49er center Karl Rubke as Rubke leads running back JD Smith.
