Image Gallery of Lem Barney | NFL Past Players

Post category:Defensive Backs / hall of fame / Special Teams/Kick Returners
Post author:phil

One of the most respected defensive backs in NFL History. A 2nd-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions out of Jackson State Lem Barney played 11 seasons (1967-1977) for the Detroit Lions. After being chosen as the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1967 he went on to play in 7 Pro Bowls.

Some of the other honors and Awards he received are:

Detroit Lions Hall of Fame (1980)
Jackson State Sports Hall of Fame (1983)
Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (1985)
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (1986)
Pro Football Hall of Fame (1992)
The Sporting News’ list of the 100 Greatest Football Players (1999)
In 2004, the Lions retired his jersey, #20.

Also played special teams as a kick returner and even punted on occasion. Retired after the 1977 season.

Image Gallery of Lem Barney, Cornerback/Kick Returner, Detroit Lions 1967-1977

Detroit Lions Hall of Famer Lem Barney hauls in an interception in 1974. Started 12 games and had 4 picks. #47 is former Viking Charlie West.
Lem Barney Interception with Charlie West, Detroit Lions 1974

Early 1970s (maybe preseason?) - Lem Barney makes an interception against the Eagles. In all Barney had 56 picks in his career - #18 is Philly receiver Ben Hawkins.
Lem Barney vs Ben Hawkins and the Philadelphia Eagles - 1970 NFL

Lem Barney Detroit Lions Hall Of Fame Cornerback

Detroit Lions Hall of Fame cornerback Lem Barney - from an article in a 1969 issue of Sport Magazine. The Lions enjoyed one of their best seasons in recent years as Barney had busy year making his second All Pro Team. 8 interceptions, punted 66 times for a 34 yards-per-punt average and even had a 74-yard kickoff return touchdown against the Giants.
Lem Barney, from a 1969 Sport Magazine Article

With the appearance of a super-hero, Hall of Fame defensive back Lem Barney emerges from a snowstorm in 1969.
Lions Defensive Back Lem Barney in the Snow

Still ranks 2nd on the All-Time Lions Career interception list with 56 picks and #1 in interceptions returned for touchdowns with 7.
Lem Barney - Lions Defender

Lions Hall of Famer Lem Barney picks off a pass intended for the Packers Carroll Dale.
Lem Barney Intercepts a Pass Intended for Carroll Dale

timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fnflpastplayers.com%2Fwp content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F12%2Flem barney FB pic.jpg&h=360&q=90&f=

11-year NFL Veteran Lem Barney had 56 interceptions and 7 touchdowns in his career. Voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

Lem Barney NFL

A member of the Hall of Fame All-1960s team Lem Barney played 11 seasons for the Detroit Lions and was named to 7 Pro Bowls.
Lem Barney Detroit Lions

Lem Barney - Detroit Lions All-Pro Defensive Back 1967-1977.
Detroit Lion Defender Lem Barney

Lem Barney

1967 NFL. Detroit Lion rookie Lem Barney picks off a pass intended for 49ers receiver Sonny Randle. That year, 1967, Barney had 10 take-aways, that tied him for the NFL lead with the Saints Dave Whitsell. His 3 touchdowns on interception returns were best for the year. With those numbers he was named 1967's Defensive Rookie of the Year. When he retired in 1977 he was #6 on the All-Time Career Interceptions list with 56. Even today in 2016 that's good enough for #18.
Lem Barney steals one from 49ers receiver Sonny Randle