Career Timeline of Lem Barney: Major Achievements and Milestones

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By Popular Timelines Editorial Team  · Updated:
Lem Barney

Discover the career path of Lem Barney, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Lem Barney was a highly accomplished American football player who spent his entire NFL career (1967-1977) with the Detroit Lions. A versatile player, he primarily played cornerback and was also a return specialist and occasional punter. Barney earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1967 and was selected for seven Pro Bowls. He received first-team All-Pro selections in 1968 and 1969. His outstanding career led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, as well as several other hall of fames including Detroit Lions Hall of Fame, Jackson State Sports Hall of Fame, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

1964: College Football Start

In 1964, Lem Barney began playing college football for the Jackson State Tigers.

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1965: Nine Interceptions at Jackson State

In 1965, Lem Barney recorded nine interceptions while playing for Jackson State.

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1966: End of College Football Career

In 1966, Lem Barney concluded his college football career with the Jackson State Tigers.

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September 17, 1967: First NFL Interception

On September 17, 1967, during his first NFL game, Lem Barney intercepted a pass from Bart Starr and returned it for a touchdown.

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1967: Detroit Lions Career Start

In 1967, Lem Barney began his NFL career with the Detroit Lions as a cornerback and return specialist. He was also named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1967.

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1968: Acting Debut in Paper Lion

In 1968, Lem Barney began a brief acting career with a self-portrayal in the comedy, Paper Lion.

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1968: Pro Bowl and Navy Duty

In 1968, following the 1967 season, Lem Barney played in the Pro Bowl and served six months of active duty in the Navy.

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1971: Sang on "What's Going On"

In 1971, Lem Barney and teammate Mel Farr sang background vocals on Marvin Gaye's song "What's Going On".

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1973: Starring in The Black Six

In 1973, Lem Barney starred in the blaxploitation biker film, The Black Six.

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1977: End of NFL Career

In 1977, Lem Barney's NFL career with the Detroit Lions concluded.

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August 1978: Placed on Injured Waiver List

In August 1978, the Detroit Lions placed Lem Barney on the injured waiver list.

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February 1979: Release from the Lions

In February 1979, Lem Barney was officially released by the Detroit Lions.

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1979: Career at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company

In 1979, after retiring from the NFL, Lem Barney began working in public affairs for Michigan Consolidated Gas Company.

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2006: Public Relations Post

In 2006, Lem Barney held a public relations post at the Detroit Medical Center.

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