NFL Hall of Famer Lem Barney Isn't Dead Despite Reports

On the morning of Saturday, Nov. 29, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the death of the legendary Lem Barney.

“Over the better part of five decades Lem devoted himself to the betterment of others,” Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO Jim Porter said in a statement. “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.”

There’s only one problem: he’s not dead.

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Former Detroit Lions and Members of the National Football League Hall of Fame Lem Barney Joe Schmidt and Barry Sanders prior to the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Ford Field on September 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Kansas City defeated Detroit 34-30.

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Barney’s sister, Verina Carter, confirmed to Tony Paul of the Detroit News that the longtime Detroit Lions star is very much alive.

“Media reports about Lem Barney are false. The #Lions legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer has *not* died, according to his sister, who I just spoke to,” Paul said. Carter added, “My brother is fine. … I don’t know where this [expletive] is coming from.”

Media reports about Lem Barney are false. The #Lions legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer has *not* died, according to his sister, who I just spoke to.— Tony Paul | Detroit News (@TonyPaul1984) November 29, 2025

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has since offered a correction – and apology.

“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 Hall has not been able to confirm such news independently. Please accept our apology,” it said in a statement.

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