One thing we try to cover extensively on Pro Sports extra is the passing of athletes in professional sports. While it is something that is never fun to do, we still feel it is important to report the news.

Unfortunately last month, one in particular slipped through the cracks and did not go reported. Last month, former San Francisco 49ers and defensive tackle Henry Schmidt passed away on May 17th at the age of 85.

In 1954 Henry went on to play at East Los Angeles Junior College where he became an All American standout at defensive tackle. In 1955 he received a scholarship to play at the University of Southern California where he played for 1 year. In 1956 he joined the United States Marine Corp and spent 2 years serving his country. He continued his education and football career in 1957-1958 at Trinity University in Texas. After his year and a half in San Antonio, he came back to East LA to work with his uncle in shipping.

In 1959 during his normal shift, his uncle came up to him and told him that he had been drafted, in which Henry replied “That’s impossible, I’ve already spent my 2 years in the military!” So his uncle explained to him that he had been drafted by the San Francisco 49er’s of the National Football League. Henry played 2 seasons with San Francisco, before he jumped over to the new American Football League to join the San Diego Chargers.

He played for the Chargers from 1961-1964. While with the Chargers he won an AFL championship in 1963, but he also started a family and set up roots in San Diego. In 1965 he joined the Buffalo Bills in the AFL. This was undoubtedly his best season as a professional football player. The Bills won the AFL championship and Henry became an AFL All Pro. 1966 became Henry’s last season in the AFL playing for the New York Jets 


In other NFL news, former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young was part of an interview recently whereby he stated that despite having a great NFL career, he felt haunted by his personal life. Check out what he had to say below.

I used to be all uptight about it. Not anymore. I’ve been through so many relationships. I’m almost like the relationship guru. The easy thing would have been to get married in college, but I believe in meeting the right person. Obviously, fame and the Mormon faith aren’t that compatible, and it’s been tough. But I think it’ll happen. I have faith that it will.”

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