Lem Barney is one of the best cornerbacks to ever play professional football.

A former second round pick by the Detroit Lions in the 1967 NFL Draft from Jackson State, Barney played for 11 seasons for the Lions.  He was the 1967 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 10 interceptions, three which he returned for touchdowns.

He finished his career with 56 interceptions returned for 1,077 yards and seven touchdowns.  He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and was twice named first team All-Pro.  He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

What people may not realize is that he was instrumental in getting the late singer Marvin Gaye a tryout with the Detroit Lions in 1970.  He and Gaye were friends and he also provided vocals for Gaye’s smash hit What’s Going On.

On the May 21 edition for FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW Barney talked with host Donal Ware about Gaye and his tryout with the Lions, his NFL career and his time at Jackson State. Listen to the interview below.