At the age of 92, NFL legend Joe Schmidt, who played a crucial role in helping the Lions win two championships, has passed away.

A Hall of Fame linebacker who helped the Detroit Lions win two NFL Championships in the 1950s and later coached the team, Joe Schmidt, has passed away at the age of 92.

On Wednesday, the family informed the Schmidt team that he had passed away, but they did not disclose the cause of death.

The team expressed their sadness upon hearing of Joe Schmidt's passing. Throughout his career, Joe was a devoted Lion, spending all of his time in Detroit, including 13 years as a linebacker and six seasons as head coach. He was known for his fierce defense, earning him a spot on the Pro Bowl 10 consecutive times from 1955 to 1964. Joe was a vital part of the team's Championship era and a proud Lion who will always be remembered.

"In 1973, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and became an inaugural member of our team's ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions. We are saddened by his passing and offer our condolences to his wife, Marilyn, and the Schmidt family."

The Lions team owner and chair emeritus, Martha Firestone Ford, also issued a statement.

"Joe Schmidt was a vital member of our team, and his leadership qualities made him the heart of our organization. He played a crucial role in our Championship seasons and remained an important figure until his passing," she said.

"Marilyn and Joe's children are mourning the loss of their father, who made his home in Detroit and carried his success from the field into their community. Although I am saddened to hear of his passing, I have nothing but fond memories of the person he was. I share my deepest condolences with them."

In the 1953 draft, the Lions picked Schmidt, a standout linebacker from Pittsburgh, in the seventh round. In his first 11 seasons, he made it to the Pro Bowl 10 times and was a first-team All-Pro eight times. He was also named to the All-1950s team.

He was a member of the team that achieved one of the largest NFL playoff comebacks, with the Lions coming back from a 27-7 deficit against the San Francisco 49ers in 1957 to win 31-27. This was the largest comeback in NFL postseason history until the Buffalo Bills stunned the Houston Oilers with a 32-point deficit in 1993.

"We decided to go after them and blitz them almost every down," he said. "We had nothing to lose. When you're up against it, you let both barrels fly."

In 2017, Schmidt was drafted and recalled the experience in an interview with the Detroit Free Press.

"He shared with the newspaper that his dream was to play football, but many people told him he was too small and couldn't play. Despite the negativity, he decided to prove them wrong."

Schmidt had three total touchdowns in his career and 24 interceptions.

He coached the Lions from 1967 to 1972. He was 43-34-7.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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