Lem Barney

September 8, 1945 - Lem Barney was a cornerback out of Jackson State University. The six-foot 188 188-pound defensive back was a 3-time All-Conference player in the Southwestern Conference during college, but was still relatively unknown when the Detroit Lions drafted him in the second round of the 1967 NFL Draft. Lem started his professional career in spectacular style. In a quote from Barney on the Pro Football Hall of Fame's website, the defender described his first play in the NFL as," I dove and intercepted it and did a forward shoulder roll, got up and ran into the endzone, I think 24 yards. And I said Man, this is going to be easy." He certainly made it look easy, as he made the Pro Bowl as a rookie and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.  Not only did the speedster play the corner, but he was also an excellent kick returner and his team's emergency punter. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Lem Barney in the class of 1992.

Lemuel Jackson Barney, born on September 8, 1945, in Gulfport, Mississippi, became one of the most electrifying defensive backs in professional football history. His career was marked by incredible ball skills, versatility, and a flair for the dramatic, making him a true legend of the Detroit Lions franchise.

✦ College Career

Barney honed his skills at Jackson State University from 1964 to 1966. Though a "comparative unknown" to many outside of his conference, he was a standout performer for the Tigers. He was a three-time All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) selection and earned All-American honors from publications like Ebony magazine and the Pittsburgh Courier. During his collegiate tenure, he amassed an impressive 26 career interceptions, including 9 in 1965 and 11 in 1966, also showcasing his versatility as a punter with strong averages.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Despite his college dominance, Barney was a relatively under-the-radar prospect in the 1967 NFL Draft, selected in the second round (34th overall pick) by the Detroit Lions. He quickly proved his doubters wrong, making an immediate and profound impact in the professional ranks.

✦ Football Legacy

Lem Barney spent his entire 11-season NFL career (1967-1977) with the Detroit Lions, becoming synonymous with the team's defense. He made an unforgettable debut in his very first NFL game, intercepting a pass from Hall of Famer Bart Starr and returning it for a touchdown. As a rookie in 1967, he led the NFL in interceptions with 10, including three returned for touchdowns, earning him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Barney was a complete defensive back known for his instincts, speed, and ability to generate turnovers. He was a constant threat to score, not only on interceptions but also as a dangerous return specialist on punts and kickoffs. He even served as the Lions' punter in two seasons. His legacy is one of being a game-changer, capable of turning defensive plays into offensive touchdowns and forcing opponents to account for his presence on every snap. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992. The Lions retired his iconic Number 20 jersey, a testament to his lasting impact on the franchise.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 1992

✦ NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: 1967

✦ Pro Bowl: 7x (1967, 1968, 1969, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976)

✦ First-Team All-Pro: 2x (1968, 1969)

✦ NFL Interceptions Co-Leader: 1967 (10 interceptions)

✦ NFL 1960s All-Decade Team

✦ Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team

✦ Detroit Lions All-Time Team

✦ Pride of the Lions

✦ Detroit Lions Ring of Honor

✦ Detroit Lions Jersey Retired: No. 20

✦ NFL Career Stats (11 seasons):

✦ Games Played: 140

✦ Interceptions: 56 (2nd all-time in Lions history)

✦ Interception Return Yards: 1,077

✦ Interception Return Touchdowns: 7 (1st all-time in Lions history)

✦ Fumble Recoveries: 17

✦ Defensive Touchdowns: 8 (7 INT, 1 FGR)

✦ Punt Returns: 143 for 1,312 yards (2 TDs)

✦ Kickoff Returns: 50 for 1,274 yards (1 TD)

✦ Total Touchdowns (all types): 11