A Look At The Detroit Lions Legend’s | Lem Barney (1967-1977)

Lem Barney: A Detroit Lions Legendary Cornerback

Lem Barney is a former NFL cornerback who spent 10 seasons of his career with the Detroit Lions. He is widely considered one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history and is a beloved figure among Detroit Lions fans. In this blog post, we will look at Barney’s career, his impressive stats, and the awards he earned throughout his time in the NFL.

Career

Lem Barney was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1967 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, earning a starting role and becoming a key player in the Lions’ defense. Barney spent ten seasons with the Lions and was known for his ball-hawking skills, which helped him lead the league in interceptions twice during his career.

Stats

Lem Barney’s stats are impressive, especially for a cornerback. He recorded 56 interceptions in his career, which ranks him in the top 30 all-time in NFL history. Barney was also known for his ability to return interceptions for touchdowns, recording seven interceptions returned for touchdowns during his career. He was a key player in the Lions’ defense and helped lead the team to three NFL Championships during his time with the team.

The History Of Coincidence Is Uncanny

Much like another Lion defensive star on the current roster, James Houston, Barney also sprang to join the Tigers of Jackson State University (formerly known as Jackson State College). Before long, the Tigers offered him a football scholarship. It was at Jackson State when a key position switch forever changed the trajectory of Lem Barney’s football career.

Barney, an All-State quarterback in high school, was relegated to third-string status as a true freshman in 1964. Barney wanted playing time, so he approached then head coach Paige and asked him if he could play cornerback instead. Paige thought Barney didn’t have the physical tools to excel at defensive back. Fortunately for Barney, he gave in to his wishes.

It was the turning point of Lem Barney’s football career. A future Hall of Fame cornerback was officially born. Barney didn’t have any trouble adjusting to his new position. In fact, he fit right in from the get-go. He had an incredible 26 interceptions in three seasons with the Tigers. He had 11 picks alone as a senior in 1966.

The 3 Best Twenties In Lions History

One other notable coincidence worth mentioning. Three of Detroit Lions Hall Of Fame inductees, all wore the jersey number 20, before it was retired November 25th, 2004, Lem Barney, Billy Sims, and Barry Sanders.

Awards

Lem Barney’s play earned him recognition from the NFL and .its fans. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls and was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1967. Barney was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

In conclusion, Lem Barney is one of the most iconic figures in NFL history. His impressive stats and numerous awards are a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport of football. Barney’s contributions to the Detroit Lions will always be remembered and he will forever hold a place in the hearts of Lions fans as one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever wear the Lions uniform. His ball-hawking skills and ability to return interceptions for touchdowns will always be remembered as some of the defining characteristics of his career. Barney will always be remembered as a Detroit Lions legend and one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history.

Career Highlights & Awards

• 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 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

Career NFL statistics

• 56            | Interceptions
• 1,077       | Interception yards
• 10            | Touchdowns