Pro Football Hall of Fame announces that Lions Hall of Famer Lem Barney has died at 80
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Lem Barney, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and longtime Detroit Lions player, has died at the age of 80, the Hall of Fame announced.
- Barney was drafted in the second round of the 1967 NFL draft after a standout college career at Jackson State, excelling as both a cornerback and punter.
- He made an immediate impact as a rookie, leading the NFL with 10 interceptions, 232 interception return yards, and three pick-sixes, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year and first-team All-Pro honors.
- Barney was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first-team All-Pro during his 11-season career with the Lions.
- In 2004, the Lions retired his
