Pro Football Hall of Fame Issues Apology for Incorrect Death Announcement

That’s quite a misstep.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame issued an apology on Saturday after mistakenly reporting that former Lions cornerback Lem Barney had passed away at 80.

“Due to conflicting information regarding reports of Lem Barney’s passing, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is retracting an email sent earlier today,” the organization clarified. “We were unable to independently verify such news. Our apologies for the confusion.”

Barney’s son confirmed to the Detroit Free Press that his father is indeed alive.

“I spoke with Lem Barney’s son. He mentioned meeting Lem at Thanksgiving and started getting messages about his father’s status last night. After talking with Lem’s nurse today, he received a selfie and heard his voice in the background. ‘He’s fine…he’s alive,'” reported Dave Burkett from the Detroit Free Press.

Barney, who was a second-round pick from Jackson State University, played 11 seasons with the Lions, making 26 interceptions in just three of those years.

In his rookie season, he earned the title of Defensive Rookie of the Year, totaling 10 interceptions, 232 return yards, and 3 touchdowns, which led to his first Pro Bowl nomination.

Barney was ultimately named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1960s. Over his career, he played in 140 games, compiling 56 interceptions, 17 fumble recoveries, and seven touchdowns. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.