Lem Barney
Inducted:
1992
Player Stats
Stats:
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
188 lb (85 kg)
Born:
September 8, 1945
Gulfport, Mississippi, U.S.
Position:
Cornerback
College:
Jackson State (1964–1966)
Lem Barney was one of the most electrifying cornerbacks in NFL history. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1967, he made an instant impact by intercepting a pass in his very first NFL game—off none other than Bart Starr.
Known for his speed, instinct, and ball-hawking ability, Barney spent his entire 11-year career (1967–1977) with the Lions, earning a reputation as one of the most feared defensive backs of his time.
He recorded 56 interceptions, returning seven for touchdowns, and was a key contributor on special teams with impressive punt and kick return skills. Barney was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned seven Pro Bowl selections. Off the field, he was known for his charisma and even sang backup vocals on Marvin Gaye’s hit “What’s Going On.”
He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, forever remembered as a game-changing presence in the Lions’ secondary.
Barney's Awards and Records
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1967)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1968, 1969)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1967–1969, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976)
- NFL interceptions co-leader (1967)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions No. 20 retired
NFL Records
- Most interceptions returned for touchdown in a rookie season: 3 (1967; tied)
- Intercepted a pass in his first NFL game — Against Hall of Famer Bart Starr.
- Member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team.
- One of only a few players in NFL history with touchdowns via:
Interception return
Fumble return
Kickoff return
Punt return
NFL Teams
Detroit Lions (1967–1977)
Numbers Worn:
20
NFL draft:
1967: 2nd round, 34th pick
NFL Stats
Seasons:
11 (1967–1977)
Games Played:
140
Interceptions:
56
Interception yards:
1,077
Fumble recoveries:
17
Defensive touchdowns:
8
Return yards:
2,586
Return touchdowns:
3