The family of Lem Barney, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, denied on Saturday that he had passed away. Earlier, the Pro Football Hall of Fame mistakenly reported that the former Detroit Lions player had died at the age of 80, leading to an apology and clarification from the organization.
Officials from the Hall stated, “Due to conflicting information about reports regarding Lem Barney’s death, we are rescinding an email distributed earlier today. The Hall has not been able to independently verify such reports. We apologize.” Barney’s son expressed relief upon discovering his father was alive, while his great-niece criticized the false report on social media. She fervently claimed, “This is a lie, my great uncle is alive; we don’t know who started this but we will find out!”
Lem Barney was drafted by the Lions in 1967 as a second-round pick from Jackson State University. In his rookie season, he played in 14 games, led the NFL with 10 interceptions, and was awarded Defensive Rookie of the Year. He achieved All-Pro status during his first three seasons and was selected for the Pro Bowl seven times during his eleven-year career with the Lions.
Barney retired after the 1977 season, completing 140 games with 56 interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries. His contributions earned him a spot on the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team and the Lions’ All-Time Team, before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
