The Detroit Lions All-Time Defensive Team

Cornerbacks

Lem Barney: DET 1967-1977

Lions Career Stats: 

56 interceptions, 7 touchdowns
2x All-Pro (1968-1969)
7x Pro Bowls (1967-1969, 1972-1973, 1975-1976)
1967 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 1992)

Case for making the team: On the field, Lem Barney was the epitome of what a shutdown corner is supposed to be.  From the moment he debuted, big plays were never far away. As a rookie in 1967, he racked up 10 interceptions which tied the league lead. Also that year, Barney tallied three pick sixes. In his career, Barney was also multi-talented enough to be an exceptional kick returner and even served as punter!

Off the field, Barney struck up an instant friendship with the legendary Motown singer, Marvin Gaye and in 1971 sang backup vocals (along with Lions’ running back Mel Farr) on Gaye’s hit record, “What’s Going On.”

Dick LeBeau: DET 1959-1972

Lions Career Stats: 

62 Interceptions, 3 touchdowns
3x Pro Bowls (1964-1966)
Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2010)

Case for making the team: Dick Lebeau is a true football “lifer” with 14 seasons as a player and 29 seasons as a coach in the NFL. As the second of two hall of fame corners on this roster, his stats and accomplishments more than back up his selection. Lebeau’s 62 career interceptions make him the Lions’ all-time leader in that category.

I am a subscriber to the notion that a player’s greatest ability is availability and Lebeau displayed that trait exceptionally well throughout his Lions career. His ability to avoid injury allowed him to set the “iron man” mark for NFL cornerbacks with 171 consecutive games played, a record that still holds up today.