The Detroit Lions’ Championship History
Between the 1935 and 1957 seasons, the Detroit Lions won four NFL Championships. Two of those championships came in 1953 and 1957, largely thanks to the contributions of Hall of Fame linebacker Joe Schmidt.
Joe Schmidt’s Illustrious Career
Joe Schmidt was a seventh-round pick in the 1953 NFL Draft, but went on to have an exceptional career with the Lions. As a rookie, he recorded two interceptions and helped the team win the 1953 NFL Championship. Schmidt emerged as a dominant defensive player in 1954, earning his first All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. Over his 12-year career, Schmidt was named First-team All-Pro eight times, Second-Team All-Pro twice, and was selected to the Pro Bowl 10 times. He finished his career with 24 interceptions, 297 interception return yards, two defensive touchdowns, and 17 fumble recoveries.
