Former Steelers Coach and Player
This particular player should ring some bells for people who live in the Colorado area like myself. Former Colorado State University Ram outside linebacker Joey Porter, has been hired by the San Antonio XFL Franchise.
Name Recognition
When you’re building a Spring League such as the XFL, it’s important that name recognition is found within the league. A lot of these guys, that are looking for their opportunity as players in the XFL, grew up watching players like Hines Ward and Joey Porter play for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the late 90s into the mid 2000’s. What better way to win over free agent targets than allowing them the opportunity to play under two former Steelers Greats?
For a long time the Steelers were one of the AFC’s greatest teams. Led by big-name players like Joey Porter, Hines Ward, Antwaan Randle El, Ben Roethlisberger, and so many others with Joey Porter joining Hines Ward’s staff it opens up further questions about who else from that vaunted Steelers squad we could see joining the San Antonio XFL Franchise under Ward.
Coaching Career Hits a Roadblock
Porter fell out of the NFL as a coach after five seasons with Pittsburgh following an incident involving former NFL LB Vontaze Burfict. Vburfict was known for his dirty play and always turned it up a notch against the division rival Steelers. He laid a devastating hit on WR Antonio Brown. A hit that some say sent Brown off the deep end.
Porter stood up for his player and was ejected from the game and investigated for criminal charges stemming from his retaliation for a hit that had been his signature style during his playing days. It’s been four years since Pittsburgh parted ways with the former Star. He has had time away from the game and should come back with a cooler head in 2023.
Final Words
Porter is a great coach and a very knowledgeable former player that knows how to rush the passer and set the edge. He will work under Defensive Coordinator Jim Herrmann to help develop a solid group of linebackers for their defense. It remains to be seen if they run a 4-3 or 3-4 front in 2023.
