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Detroit Lions star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Lem Barney is "alive and well," his family tells TMZ.

Amid reports that the 80-year-old football icon has died, his son, Lem Barney III , has confirmed to TMZ he is alive, adding that he spoke to him today. Gallery Launch Gallery Getty

He says he is in the care of "around-the-clock" caretakers who have given him no reason to worry about his health -- and says he was even sent a picture of his father today.

Lem III tells TMZ he has no clue why people think his father died ... adding this happened a few months back as well. The most recent reports of the pro athlete's death started circulating earlier this week, and ramped up Saturday as outlets cited the Hall of Fame with confirming the news. Gallery Launch Gallery

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