History of Lem Barney in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 30, 2025

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.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 8, 1945: Lem Barney Born

On September 8, 1945, Lemuel Jackson Barney was born. He would later become a professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

1964: College Football Start

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

1965: Nine Interceptions at Jackson State

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

1966: End of College Football Career

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

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.

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.

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: All-Pro Selection

In 1968, Lem Barney was selected as a first-team All-Pro player.

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.

1969: All-Pro Selection

In 1969, Lem Barney was selected as a first-team All-Pro player.

1970: Befriended Marvin Gaye

In 1970, Lem Barney befriended Motown recording artist Marvin Gaye when Gaye tried out for the Lions.

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".

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.

March 1978: Wiretap Controversy

In March 1978, Lem Barney's voice was allegedly heard discussing illegal substances as part of a wiretap investigation, leading to controversy and a grand jury testimony.

August 1978: Placed on Injured Waiver List

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

February 1979: Release from the Lions

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

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.

1992: Hall of Fame Induction

In 1992, Lem Barney was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

March 1993: Arrested for DUI and Drug Possession

In March 1993, Lem Barney was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and possession of illegal substances after a car accident.

1994: Acquittal on Drug Charges

In 1994, Lem Barney was found not guilty of the drug charges following a jury trial.

2006: Public Relations Post

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

2006: Published Autobiography

In 2006, Lem Barney published his autobiography titled "The Supernatural: Lem Barney".

2013: Age Discrimination Lawsuit and Football Concerns

In 2013, Lem Barney filed an age discrimination lawsuit after being fired from his position and expressed concerns about brain injuries in football, predicting its decline.