Barney, Lemuel J. Jr.
Football
b. Sept. 8, 1945, Gulfport, MS
Barney had 26 interceptions in three seasons at Jackson State University and also did the team's punting. He joined the Detroit Lions in 1967 and quickly became one of the NFL's top defensive backs. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Barney had sprinter speed and was a threat to score whenever he touched the ball.
In his first season, he ran back 3 of his league-leading 10 interceptions for touchdowns and was selected the NFL's defensive rookie of the year. Barney was named to the all-pro team in 1968, 1969, and 1972 and played in 10 Pro Bowls.
He retired after the 1977 season. During his career, Barney intercepted 56 passes and returned them for 1,077 yards, an average of 19.2, and scored 8 touchdowns; he returned 143 punts for 1,312 yards, a 9.2 average, and 2 touchdowns; and he had 50 kickoff returns for 1,274 yards, a 25.5 average, and 1 touchdown. Barney also punted 113 times for a 35.5-yard average.