Lions Hall of Famer Lem Barney dies at 80, Hall of Fame confirms
Lem Barney, a renowned figure in professional football, has passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a key player for the Detroit Lions throughout his 11-season career.
Career Highlights of Lem Barney
Barney made a significant impact in the NFL after being selected in the second round of the 1967 draft. He showcased remarkable talent as both a cornerback and punter during his time at Jackson State University.
Rookie Season Impact
In his debut season, Barney intercepted Bart Starr, a Hall of Fame quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. This interception, which was the first pass thrown his way, resulted in a touchdown, marking a memorable start to his career.
- Intercepted 10 passes in his rookie year.
- Amassed 232 interception return yards.
- Recorded three pick-sixes.
His stellar performance earned him the titles of Defensive Rookie of the Year and a first-team All-Pro selection. Additionally, Barney served as the Lions’ primary punter, averaging 37.4 yards per punt.
Subsequent Achievements
Throughout his NFL career, Barney achieved first-team All-Pro honors two more times and was selected to the Pro Bowl on seven occasions. His contributions to the team were recognized in 2004 when the Lions retired his jersey number, 20.
This honor placed him alongside other Lions legends such as Barry Sanders and Billy Sims, making the Lions the only NFL team to retire the same number for three players.
Conflicting Reports on Barney’s Death
Following the announcement of his passing by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, multiple credible media outlets, including NFL.com, reported his death. However, a statement from Barney’s sister suggested that he was still alive. The Hall of Fame could not verify the accuracy of their initial announcement.
As more information becomes available, the football community continues to honor the legacy of Lem Barney, remembering his significant contributions to the sport.
