Inducted 2000
Date of Birth
1/19/1932
Birthplace
Pittsburgh, PA
School
University of Pittsburgh (1950-1952)
Bio
It was Oct. 11, 1952. Pittsburgh was getting ready to play Notre Dame. Pitt had lost eight straight to Notre Dame in their series. Five minutes to game time, the Pitt captain asked the coaches to leave the room. Captain Joe Schmidt made a speech. He told his teammates they must win this game. They did 22-19. That episode illustrates the leadership Joe Schmidt brought to every phase of his brilliant football career. His level as a star player in 1952 was recognized by International News Service, which named him All-America linebacker. In a speech in later years, Schmidt said, "I love Pitt. Started there at age 17. Pitt gave me the opportunity to do what I'd always wanted to do. I have a soft spot in my heart for Pitt." He played pro with Detroit 1953-65, was all-pro linebacker eight times, and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was the Detroit Lions' head coach 1967-72.
Stats
Height 6'1
Weight 220
Career Highlights
- 1952 First Team All-America
Class of 2000
Running Back
Marcus Allen
Running Back
Johnny Bailey
Center
Kurt Burris
Fullback
Bill Cooper
Cornerback
Brad Crawford
Offensive Tackle
Dan Dierdorf
End
Bob Dove
Quarterback
John Elway
Cornerback
Michael Haynes
Safety
Terry Hoage
Tackle
Stan Jones
Linebacker
Willie Lanier
Running Back
Johnny Musso
Wide Receiver
Johnny Rodgers
Guard
Joe Schmidt
Guard
Harley Sewell
Defensive End
Billy Ray Smith
Halfback
Eddie Talboom
Fullback
Tank Younger
Coach
Terry Donahue
Coach
Forest Evashevski
Coach
Darrell Mudra
Coach
Ron Schipper
Coach
Muddy Waters
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