NFL legend Joe Schmidt, who helped Lions to 2 championships, dead at 92

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Joe Schmidt, a Hall of Fame linebacker who helped the Detroit Lions to two NFL Championships in the 1950s and later coached the team, has died. He was 92.

The Lions said the family informed the team Schmidt died on Wednesday but did not release the cause of death.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Schmidt. Joe was a Lion through and through, having spent his entire career in Detroit, including 13 years as a linebacker and six seasons as our head coach," the team said in a statement. "He patrolled the middle of our defense with such ferocity that he was named to 10 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1955 to 1964. Joe was an enduring link to our Championship era and one of the proudest Lions you will ever meet. 

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Detroit Lions head coach Joe Schmidt acknowledges the crowd after receiving a Pro Football Hall of Fame ring during a ceremony at halftime of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears on Oct. 18, 2015 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez, File)

"He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and was an inaugural member of our team's ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions, which will ensure his place in our history forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Marilyn, and the entire Schmidt family as we all mourn his passing."

Martha Firestone Ford, the Lions team owner and chair emeritus, also released a statement.

"Joe Schmidt had the heart of a Lion, which made it appropriate that he was also the heart of our team. Joe was a key part of our Championship seasons and continued to be an important part of our organization until