Lem Barney dead at 80: Tributes pour in for Lions legend and Hall of Fame NFL star

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By BEN NAGLE, US SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 18:44 GMT, 29 November 2025 | Updated: 18:44 GMT, 29 November 2025

The world of football is in mourning following the death of Detroit Lions legend Lem Barney at the age of 80.

Barney, a seven-time Pro-Bowl cornerback, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, and previously had his No 20 retired by Detroit, where he played for a decade.

The news was announced by Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO Jim Porter, who said in a statement: 'Over the better part of five decades Lem devoted himself to the betterment of others.

'The Special Olympics, the United Way, the Easter Seals, the United Negro. College Fund and the Boy Scouts of America are just some of the many organizations that benefitted from Lem giving back to his community unselfishly and with little fanfare. 

'Lem was a regular in Canton during Enshrinement Week, and his consistent presence here welcoming new class members will be missed.'

No cause of death has yet been announced. 

Barney played 11 NFL seasons - all for the Lions - from 1967 to 1977, and was part of the All-Decade Team for the 1960s.

He played in 140 career NFL games, and was the first Jackson State college football star to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Incredibly, he remains the only player in NFL history to score on a kick return, punt return, field goal return and INT return of 70 yards or more, per NFL Research.

He was as talented off the field as he was on it, showcasing his incredible singing voice by performing the national anthem at the 2015 enshrinement ceremony in Canton, Ohio.

He sang background vocals on Marvin Gaye's hit song 'What's Going On', and counted the Motown legend as a close friend.  

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