Introduction
Corey Barlow (born October 9, 1972) is an American former professional football player best known for his tenure as a placekicker with the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). After a college career at the University of Wyoming, Barlow entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent and subsequently carved out a seven-season career in the league. Following retirement from professional football, he pursued a career in real estate, establishing himself as a prominent agent in the Chicago market.
Early Life and Education
Family and Childhood
Corey Barlow was born and raised in Elkhart, Indiana. He grew up in a family that valued sports, with his father, Tom Barlow, coaching youth soccer and his mother, Linda Barlow, managing the household. From an early age, Corey showed a particular aptitude for kicking and ball-handling skills, often playing informal games with neighborhood friends.
High School Career
Barlow attended Elkhart High School, where he played football, soccer, and track & field. On the football field, he served as the team's placekicker and was known for his composure under pressure. In his senior year, he completed 19 of 22 field goal attempts, a performance that earned him first-team All-State honors. Simultaneously, he was a standout soccer player, leading his team in penalty kicks and scoring several decisive goals in the district tournament.
College Recruitment and Scholarship
Following his high school graduation, Barlow was recruited by several mid-major Division I programs. The University of Wyoming offered him a scholarship, citing his potential as a reliable kicker and his strong work ethic. He chose Wyoming to play under head coach Bill Lewis, who had a reputation for developing special teams talent.
University of Wyoming (1991–1995)
Barlow's collegiate career spanned from 1991 through 1995. He appeared in 47 games, recording 92 field goals and 167 extra points. His field goal percentage stood at 81.5%, ranking him third in the university's history at the time of his graduation. In 1994, he was named the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Special Teams Player of the Year. Barlow also demonstrated versatility by handling kickoff duties, averaging 44.7 yards per kick during his tenure.
Professional Career
Entering the NFL
Despite his strong college statistics, Barlow was not selected in the 1996 NFL Draft. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears, who were in need of a reliable kicker following the departure of former placekicker Mike Brown. Barlow impressed the coaching staff during training camp, earning the starting job for the 1996 season.
Chicago Bears (1996–2002)
Corey Barlow's time with the Bears spanned seven seasons, during which he became an integral part of the team's special teams unit. The following table summarizes his annual performance statistics:
- 1996: 25/30 field goals, 32/35 extra points, 8.5 yards per kickoff.
- 1997: 28/33 field goals, 39/41 extra points, 9.1 yards per kickoff.
- 1998: 21/27 field goals, 33/34 extra points, 9.3 yards per kickoff.
- 1999: 31/36 field goals, 45/46 extra points, 9.0 yards per kickoff.
- 2000: 27/32 field goals, 42/43 extra points, 8.8 yards per kickoff.
- 2001: 29/34 field goals, 47/48 extra points, 9.2 yards per kickoff.
- 2002: 22/28 field goals, 41/42 extra points, 9.4 yards per kickoff.
During the 2000 season, Barlow achieved a personal best of 31 successful field goals, contributing to a record 9–7 finish for the Bears. He was also recognized for his consistent kickoff distance, helping the team maintain favorable field position throughout the league.
Notable Games and Highlights
Barlow's career featured several memorable performances:
- 2000 Week 12 (vs. Detroit Lions): Barlow converted three field goals, including a 47-yard attempt, to secure a 22–20 victory.
- 1999 Week 3 (vs. Green Bay Packers): A 35-yard field goal in the final minute preserved a 24–21 win.
- 2001 Season Finale (vs. Philadelphia Eagles): Despite a 24–7 loss, Barlow kicked all eight of his attempts, marking the highest number of field goals in a single game in his career.
Throughout his tenure, Barlow was praised for his consistency, accuracy, and mental toughness - qualities that contributed to his reputation as one of the league's most dependable kickers.
Career Statistics
Corey Barlow's cumulative NFL statistics reflect a solid career for a special teams player:
- Total Field Goals Made: 178 / 210 Attempts (84.8%)
- Total Extra Points Made: 280 / 289 Attempts (96.9%)
- Longest Field Goal: 52 yards (1999)
- Average Kickoff Distance: 9.1 yards per kickoff (career)
These numbers rank him in the upper echelons of kickers during the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly for field goal accuracy and consistency.
Transition to Post-Football Career
Retirement and Motivation for Change
After the 2002 season, Barlow elected to retire from professional football. He cited the physical demands of the sport and a desire to pursue new challenges as primary factors in his decision. His experience in the NFL, combined with his educational background in business administration, prepared him for a career outside of sports.
Real Estate Career
Barlow began his real estate career in the summer of 2003, joining a well-established brokerage firm in the Chicago area. He quickly gained recognition for his client-focused approach, often leveraging the teamwork and communication skills honed during his football years. Over the following decade, he became a top producer in the brokerage, closing over $100 million in residential transactions.
Professional Development and Leadership
Beyond his transactional success, Barlow contributed to the industry through leadership roles. He served as a mentor for new agents, organized community outreach programs, and played an active role in the local real estate association. In 2015, he received the Association’s “Agent of the Year” award, acknowledging his influence and dedication to the profession.
Contributions to the Field of Sports and Community
Sports Philanthropy
Barlow established the Corey Barlow Sports Foundation in 2005, a non-profit organization aimed at providing scholarships and equipment to youth sports programs across Indiana and Illinois. The foundation has awarded over $500,000 in grants to support athletic development, emphasizing inclusivity and access for underprivileged communities.
Coaching and Mentorship
During his post-retirement years, Barlow remained active in football as a volunteer coach. He served as a kicking coach for a high school team in Elkhart and later joined the coaching staff of a college program in 2010. In these roles, he focused on teaching proper technique, mental preparation, and the importance of resilience.
Public Speaking and Advocacy
Barlow frequently appeared as a speaker at industry conferences, discussing topics such as athlete transition to new careers, the role of sports in personal development, and the importance of financial literacy for athletes. His presentations were often well-received for their practicality and authenticity.
Personal Life
Family
Corey Barlow is married to Sarah Barlow (née Thompson), a former track and field athlete from the University of Illinois. The couple has two children, Daniel and Emily, both of whom have pursued athletics in high school. Barlow is known for encouraging a balanced lifestyle, emphasizing education, family, and community involvement.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of his professional endeavors, Barlow enjoys golf, hiking, and photography. He has participated in several charitable golf tournaments, using the platform to raise funds for local causes. His photography work often captures landscapes and portraits, showcasing an artistic eye cultivated during his years traveling for the NFL.
Legacy and Impact
Influence on the NFL Placekicker Position
Barlow’s career is often cited as an example of the evolution of the placekicker role in the NFL during the late 1990s. His high field goal percentage and strong kickoff performance set a benchmark for subsequent kickers in the league, contributing to a broader emphasis on special teams as a strategic asset.
Role Model for Athlete Transition
Barlow’s seamless shift from professional sports to real estate has made him a case study in successful athlete career transition. His proactive approach - leveraging education, networking, and community engagement - has inspired former athletes seeking to pursue new professional pathways.
Community Development Initiatives
Through the Corey Barlow Sports Foundation, the former athlete has left a lasting imprint on youth sports programs, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented athletes from accessing competitive opportunities. His foundation continues to operate, supporting initiatives such as equipment drives and scholarship awards.
See Also
- Special Teams in American Football
- Chicago Bears History
- Athlete Career Transition Programs
- American Football Kicking Statistics
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