Jerry Rice, Walter Payton and the 30 best HBCU football players of all time
By Dante Pryor
19. Lem Barney, cornerback, kick returner, Jackson State
Before Deion Sanders, Devin Hester and even fellow Lion Mel Gray, Lemuel “Lem” Barney was one of the first dynamic defensive backs who were dangerous as kick and punt returners. Barney was also one of the best “ball-hawks” in his era.
During Barney’s time with the Lions, Barney had 2,586 kick and punt return yards and three touchdowns. However, Barney’s claim to fame was the ability to take interceptions to the house. Barney returned seven interceptions for touchdowns.
Barney had ten interceptions for 232 yards and three touchdowns during his rookie season on the way to winning rookie of the year. Jackson State is where Barney honed his ball skills. After playing quarterback in Gulfport, Mississippi, Barney starred at JSU.
Barney had 26 career interceptions while at Jackson State, twenty of them his last two years. The Detroit Lions drafted barney in the second round of the 1967 NFL Draft. During ten seasons (all with the Lions), Barney was a seven-time Pro Bowler and twice All-NFL First Team.
Barney’s versatility was not limited to returning kicks, punts and being a defensive back. Barney was also a skilled punter. During his rookie year, Barney had 47 punts averaging 37.4 yards per punt.