intercepted three passes within ten minutes and returned one 71 yards for a touchdown. At the end of the 1967 season, he was selected by the Associated Press as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. After the 1967 season, Barney played in the 1968 Pro Bowl, and in the off-season, he was married and also served six months of active duty in the Navy. Barney went on to be selected to seven Pro Bowls and was selected as a first-team All-NFL player in 1968 and 1969. During his 11 years in the NFL, Barney had 56 interceptions, 1,011 interception return yards, and seven interceptions returned for touchdowns. He also returned 143 punts for 1,312 yards and three touchdowns as well as 50 kickoff returns for 1,274 yards, including a 98-yard return for touchdown. Retirement In March 1978, as part of a wiretap investigation into international drug smuggling, Barney's voice was heard allegedly discussing cocaine and amphetamines. Although investigators stated that Barney was not the focus of the investigation, the controversy received extensive press attention through the spring of 1978, as Barney was called to testify before a New York grand jury. In August 1978, the Lions placed Barney on the injured waiver list. Barney's efforts to sign with another team were unsuccessful, and he did not play during the 1978 season. He was officially released by the Lions in February 1979. Awards and honors After retiring as a player, Barney received numerous honors, including the following: In 1980, he was inducted into the Detroit Lions Hall of Fame. In 1983, he was inducted into the Jackson State Sports Hall of Fame. In 1985, he was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. In 1986, he was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. In 1992, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jim David, Barney's position coach with the Lions, gave the induction speech for Barney. In 1997, the Detroit Free Press selected Barney as the best cornerback in NFL history. In 1999, he was ranked 97th on The Sporting News''' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. In 2004, the Lions retired jersey #20 in tribute to three Lions greats who wore the number: Barney, Billy Sims and Barry Sanders. Entertainer Barney is an accomplished singer who began singing with choirs in his youth and college. He befriended Motown recording artist Marvin Gaye,