Steelers' Legend Hines Ward Has Been Mentoring 2023 Training Camp Hopeful

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed a couple players from the XFL prior to Organized Team Activites (OTAs). Hakeem Butler, a receiver who most Steelers fans have probably heard of due to the excitement surrounding his athletic, lengthy frame is one of them, but the team also signed another former XFL player, cornerback, Luq Barcoo. Unlike Butler, Barcoo is a player most Steelers fans have probably not heard of yet. Barcoo is a long shot to make the 53-man roster, but he is doing everything he can to give himself an opportunity to do so. This includes taking advice from his former XFL coach and Steelers' legend, Hines Ward. 

Steelers' Luq Barcoo's Football Career

Barcoo is a cornerback who played his college football at San Diego State. He went undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft before being signed as a free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars where he played in three games and recorded 10 total tackles. He was eventually waived by the Jaguars, and has since been signed and released by the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. 

After failing to reach success in the NFL, Barcoo entered his name into the 2023 XFL draft. The San Antonio Brahmas selected Barcoo as their first defensive player and he was the second defensive player taken overall. This is where Barcoo's relationship with Ward began as Ward is the Head Coach of the Bahamas. During Barcoo's one and only season with the team, he was named to the All-XFL team and was one of the few bright spots for the team as they finished the year with just a 3-7 record. 

Hines Wards' Mentorship To Barcoo 

Ward did not see as much adversity as Barcoo has during his football career. Ward was a third-round pick and the Steelers' starting wide receiver in just his second season in the NFL. However, Ward was a Steeler for his entire NFL career that spanned 13 seasons, so it is safe to say Ward knows the keys to succeed when it comes to putting on the black and gold. Brian Batko with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette asked Barcoo what Ward has told him as he tries to seize this opportunity to play in the NFL.  

"He preaches that every day, to prepare myself mentally - and outside of football, as well. Be at meetings on time, be a professional in general, make sure you're in the playbook."

Barcoo would give himself an advantage if he works harder than everyone else off the field. Spending extra time watching film, studying the playbook and being punctual during all team activities will give him the best opportunity to earn a training camp invite and to make the 53-man roster. While Ward has told Barcoo everything that he needs to do in order to succeed, he has also told Barcoo habits that he needs to stay away from. 

"He would call it playground habits. You can't have playground habits and expect good results."

While everything Ward has told Barcoo might seem like common sense to a fan, it must be hard for football players to focus so hard on what they can do off of the field to improve when they are trying to beat out everyone on the field. This might be especially difficult for a player like Barcoo, who doesn't know if he'll get another opportunity to play in the NFL if he doesn't take advantage of this one. 

Does Barcoo Have A Shot At The 53-Man Roster?

Barcoo has a difficult path towards making the final roster for the 2023 season. He will be competing with future Hall Of Famer, Patrick Peterson and an established veteran in Levi Wallace. Along with 2023 rookies, Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr., who have both impressing during OTAs. However, Barcoo's previous NFL experience with five different teams along with his season in the XFL might be enough to earn him an invite to training camp in 2023 to compete for a roster spot.

Should Barcoo be invited to training camp Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation