Joe Schmidt, a 2000 College Football Hall of Fame inductee who starred at linebacker with Pittsburgh from 1950-52, passed away Sept. 11. He was 92.
 
"Joe Schmidt embodied the spirit of Pittsburgh football—a relentless competitor and a natural leader whose heart and passion for the game enabled him to dominate on the field," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "He brought a fire to every down, and he carried those values with him as a coach. He leaves a powerful legacy, which will continue to inspire future generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time of loss."
 
He led Pitt to some tremendous victories during his career – a 21-7 victory over Miami in 1951, a 13-7 win over Penn State in 1951 and a 21-14 win over Ohio State in 1952. And perhaps his most memorable college moment against Notre Dame. It was Oct. 11, 1952. Pittsburgh was getting ready to play Notre Dame in South Bend. 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 chapter of his brilliant football career.
 
He began as a fullback and guard at Pitt. As a sophomore, College Football Hall of Fame Coach Len Casanova switched him to linebacker, where he became an All-American in 1952.
 
His college career was rife with injuries. As a freshman, he broke two ribs. During his sophomore season he broke his wrist in spring practice and separated his shoulder in the fall. As a junior, he badly wrenched his knee in the preseason. As a senior in 1952, he tore knee cartilage in the opening game against Iowa, and then came back two weeks later against Notre Dame, in which he sustained a concussion and hemorrhage that put him in the hospital for 10 days. When he wasn't sidelined with an injury, he was playing hurt.
 
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."
 
Schmidt came out of Brentwood High School in Pittsburgh PA, and at 6 feet 1, 220 pounds, he had offers from eight schools. He chose Pitt.
 
 
Because of his injuries, the Detroit Lions didn't select Schmidt until the seventh round of the NFL draft in 1953. During his 13-year playing career (1953-65), he was named All-Pro 10 times, played in 10 Pro Bowl games and was named to the 1950s All-Decade Team. He later coached the team for six seasons from 1967-72 and led Detroit to its only playoff appearance of the 1970s.
 
Schmidt became Pitt's first Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, receiving enshrinement in 1973. Schmidt was a Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame inductee in 2019.
 
He was born Jan. 19, 1932, in Pittsburgh, PA.