Reggie Barlow credits current XFL success to HBCU experience
|
Posted By: S. Moore on March 31, 2023 Reggie Barlow currently leads the only unbeaten team in the XFL after the D.C. Defenders claimed a 37-26 win over the Houston Roughnecks on Monday night to tally a 6-0 start. Barlow is one of four Black coaches in the eight-team XFL. The longtime HBCU coach credits his success to the playing and coaching experience at Alabama State. “It’s important to me that we are in this position, and we know, hopefully, this will give other people, other African Americans, minorities an opportunity to get that chance to coach in the National Football League.” During a recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take, the former ASU standout had this to say about how his alma mater: “I am who I am because of HBCU, because of Alabama State giving me an opportunity to come there to play college football. Also, giving me the opportunity to come back and be the head coach. I learned so much from Alabama State, that experience, and then I was able to go on to Virginia State, which is a fine university that gave me an opportunity to continue to be a better coach, to continue to learn my craft.”
In his playing days at Alabama State, which spanned from 1992-95, Barlow caught 133 passes for 2,536 yards and 17 touchdowns. During his senior year, he hauled in 58 passes for 1,267 yards and 12 scores. Barlow then enjoyed an eight-year career in the NFL from 1996 to 2003 with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording 39 receptions for 522 yards and a touchdown. Barlow returned to Alabama State in 2005 as quarterback coach before being named interim head coach in 2007. The interim tag was removed after a few weeks and over the next eight seasons, Barlow compiled a 49-42 record, claiming the SWAC East crown in 2010. Despite his fifth consecutive winning season, the Alabama State Board of Trustees decided not to retain Barlow after the 2014 season. In 2016, Barlow became the head football coach at Virginia State University and over his tenure, he guided the Trojans to a 34-15 overall record. In 2017 he led VSU to their first undefeated season, going 10-0, winning the CIAA championship and earning a berth in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. “As I mentioned, I am who I am because of HBCUs,” said Barlow. “They’ve been outstanding to me, and I’m grateful for them.” SOURCE HBCU Sports available at https://hbcusports.com/2023/03/29/reggie-b... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest News
 |
Truist Partners with TMCF to Advance Leadership and Career ReadinessTruist is honored to serve as a corporate sponsor the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) signature leadership experience, DevCon – Potomac, held February 18 – 22. This premier event brings ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 109 Views • February 11th, 2026 |
 |
🎤 LAST CHANCE: Earn $50 USD in the Orchid Audio Project⏰ Final Call – Registration Closing Soon
The Orchid Audio Project is almost at capacity, and this is your last opportunity to participate and earn $50 USD for a simple audio recording task.
...more
Yazmín Müller • 68 Views • February 11th, 2026 |
 |
The Memorial Day Getaway's Returns for Its 18th Annual Celebration?A Black Luxury Forward Memorial Day Experience Headlined by 2 Chainz
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic | Memorial Day Weekend
The Memorial Day Getaway returns this Memorial Day Weekend for its 18 ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 147 Views • February 10th, 2026 |
 |
Bethune-Cookman University To Host Inauguration For Dr. Albert D. Mosley On April 14Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) will mark the inauguration of Dr. Albert D. Mosley as its eighth president on Tuesday, April 14, marking a new era of leadership for the historic institution.
Founde ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 154 Views • February 9th, 2026 |
 |
2026 MS-CC Undergraduate Summer Research Internship✨Applications are open for the 2026 MS-CC Undergraduate Summer Research InternshipMS-CC invites undergraduate students to apply for a 10-week, paid summer research experience hosted in Nashvill ...more
David Lockett • 105 Views • February 9th, 2026 |
Popular News
 |
North Carolina HBCU Unity DayShaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 104,120 Views • August 8th, 2016 |
