Lem Barney Biography

Lem Barney, born on September 8, 1945, played as a cornerback and return specialist for the Detroit Lions from 1967 to 1977, occasionally handling punting duties. He played college football for the Jackson State Tigers from 1964 to 1966. Barney earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1967 and was named first-team All-Pro in 1968 and 1969. He attended Jackson State University, a historically black university located in Jackson, Mississippi. In the final game of his rookie season, he intercepted three passes within ten minutes and returned one 71 yards for a touchdown. Barney did not play during the 1978 season after unsuccessful attempts to sign with another team. He began a brief acting career in 1968 with a self-portrayal in the comedy Paper Lion.