Hall of fame linebacker Joe Schmidt of the Detroit Lions. Schmidt joined the Lions in 1953 from Univ. of Pittsburgh. He made an immediate impact as a starter on the Lions championship teams and was selected to play in nine Pro Bowls (1955-63). (National Football League)

Hall of fame linebacker Joe Schmidt of the Detroit Lions in 1955. Schmidt joined the Lions in 1953 from Univ. of Pittsburgh. He made an immediate impact as a starter on the Lions championship teams and was selected to play in nine Pro Bowls (1955-63). (National Football League)

Detroit Lions' Joe Schmidt, right, looks a bit dazed after being named outstanding lineman of the National Football League in the annual Associated Press poll, Jan. 7, 1958, in Los Angeles. Congratulating him is Hugh McElhenny of the San Francisco 49ers. The players wear L.A. Rams shirts during a practice session in L.A. for the Pro-Bowl game later in the month. (AP Photo/David F. Smith)

Detroit Lions coach Joe Schmidt in action during a preseason matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Aug. 9, 1969. (Rich Clarkson/Rich Clarkson Associates via AP Images)

Detroit Lions head coach Joe Schmidt in 1970. (National Football League)

Detroit Lions greats from left, Lem Barney, Larry Yale, Charlie Sanders and Joe Schmidt are seen during halftime of anNFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Browns in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Former Lions standouts Joe Schmidt, right, and Dick LeBeau are seen before the start of the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Bill Fundaro)