NFL Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Defensive Players Of All-Time
By Robby Sabo
24. Joe Schmidt, LB
- Detroit Lions (1953-65)
- 1957 NFL Defensive POY / 1953 and 1957 NFL Champion / 8-Time 1st Team All-Pro
Nasty, consistent and just plain mad. That’s how Detroit Lions linebacker Joe Schmidt could be described as a player.
Schmidt was the best tackler of his era, helping him win the NFL’s version of Defensive Player of the Year back in 1957.
The Lions defense during the 1950s was so good. Much of their success was thanks to Schmidt and his leadership abilities, who quarterbacked the unit during his entire 13-year career.
Eight times he was named an NFL First-Team All-Pro.
Next: Number 23