The Joe Schmidt Award is presented to the player who has displayed outstanding leadership, drive and achievement on the field and in the locker room.
This award is given in honor of former linebacker Joe Schmidt who was named All-Pro in eight of his 13 seasons (1953-65), earning 10 consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl. He served as captain of the Lions for nine seasons. From 1967-72, Schmidt compiled a 43-35-7 record as Detroit’s head coach. Schmidt was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
This year's Joe Schmidt Leadership Award, as voted by the players, goes to veteran safety Glover Quin:
- Quin was the only defensive player in the NFL to play 100% of his team's snaps this year.