Detroit Lions icon Lem Barney is “alive and well,” his family has confirmed, after a widespread online death hoax became so convincing that the Pro Football Hall of Fame issued and then awkwardly withdrew an official statement announcing his death. The former Lions defensive back was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1992 and is widely regarded as one of the finest cornerbacks in NFL history.
The 80-year-old NFL icon became the subject of false reports claiming he had died, which spread across social media on Friday, coming just days after Buffalo Bills legend Steve Tasker was forced to dismiss similar false claims. The misinformation gained such traction that the Hall of Fame released a statement to media outlets, only to retract it several hours later in an urgent correction.
“Based on conflicting information regarding the reported passing of Lem Barney, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is rescinding the email sent earlier today,” the organization said in its follow-up statement. Meanwhile, the officiating in Detroit’s Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers prompted fans to claim the game is “rigged.”
“The Hall has not been able to confirm such news independently. Please accept our apology.” Barney’s son, Lem Barney III, was responsible for debunking the false rumors through media channels.
He confirmed his father remains under round-the-clock care and his condition is stable. Barney’s son revealed he received a photograph of his father on the very same day the false reports circulated.
He emphasized there was “no reason at all” for anyone to believe his father had died, noting this wasn’t the first time such a hoax had emerged.
Barney’s legendary career remains firmly established as one of the greatest defensive achievements in football history. Selected by the Lions in the second round in 1967, he immediately made an impact.
He captured Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with 10 interceptions, three pick-sixes, and 232 return yards, all while serving double duty as Detroit’s punter. His 11-year career concluded with 56 interceptions, 1,077 return yards, seven defensive touchdowns, seven Pro Bowl appearances, multiple All-Pro honors, and an unforgettable legacy wearing No. 20 before Barry Sanders.
His interception return yardage continues to rank eighth all-time, and his tenure as one of the era’s most dynamic returners featured a 74-yard punt return touchdown and a 98-yard kickoff return that helped establish his early reputation.
Barney additionally spent his entire career in Detroit, solidifying his place alongside icons like Sanders and Calvin Johnson as a cornerstone figure in Lions lore.
The false report surfaced during a challenging period for the organization. Four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow tried to reverse his retirement and return to the Lions after their 31-24 Thanksgiving defeat to the Packers, but failed a physical examination due to a thigh strain.
Currently, Detroit holds a 7-5 record and is third in the NFC North, lagging behind both the Chicago Bears and Packers, each on a three-game winning streak or more. The Lions are striving to protect their division title from last season, which saw them with an impressive 15-2 record, despite a fall in the divisional round of the playoffs.