Chris Barrett is about as experienced as a quarterback can be while still waiting to see his 30th birthday. His career originally began in the semi-pro ranks but he worked his way into professional interest with the NAL, and later FCF. He went on a storybook run as the starter for the Glacier Boyz in 2022 before falling just short of a championship.
Table of Contents
“Ice Man”
While it may not be the most original nickname I started calling Barrett this about two years ago while watching his legend grow in the Fan Controlled Football League. As the starter for the Glacier Boyz, Barrett displayed pocket presence and a calm demeanor as he read defenses. Barrett rarely seems to be flustered and there was more than one occasion he showed grit by hanging in the pocket that extra second and taking a crushing blow to deliver a dart to an open receiver.
It was played like this, and a rare rushing touchdown that earned the respect of his teammates and helped build a win-for-your-brother mentality with his FCF squad, many of which leaped the XFL afterward; including running back Brycen Alleyne and wide receivers Cedric Byrd with the Houston Roughnecks, and Andrew Jamiel with the Orlando Guardians immediately come to mind but it didn’t stop there.
Professional Career
Barrett got his start in 2017 playing for the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks in the National Arena League. Playing their games in Allentown Pennsylvania, at the PPL Center the Steelhawks rolled through the NAL to a 9-1 record and lost in the NAL Championship game by just 2 points to the Columbus Lions (who just returned to the NAL after two seasons away). In 2018 he jumped to another Pennsylvania-based team called the Reading Raptors, he stuck with the Raptors for two seasons. The next stop on his tour of the upper northeast arena football scene was the Jersey Flight which he signed in 2020 only for the season to be canceled.
He would return in 2021 and spend the year with the Flight. Finally, in his fifth season as a professional, he jumped to the Salina Liberty his first contract outside of the Pennsylvania/New Jersey area.
2023 XFL Showcases
Barrett also attended the XFL showcases in 2023 but was not selected in the 2023 XFL Draft instead had to watch as fellow FCF QBs Deondre Francois and Mitch Kidd went to Orlando, and later that season Kelly Bryant signed with Arlington, and Quinten Flowers was signed with Orlando as well.
Barrett to his credit just kept working. Rather than concern himself with who wasn’t calling he continued to work to perfect his craft playing semi-pro during the indoor offseason to continue getting in-game reps even if it meant paying to play.
The 10,000-hour rule was popularized by Malcolm Gladwell’s book “Outliers”. It is the notion that a person needs to spend 10,000 hours intensely practicing their craft to master it. Barrett is a living embodiment of this rule and he has done everything in his power to make sure his mental preparation is unmatched.
On top of his extensive playing experience he has also worked out at several showcases to be seen by USFL or XFL teams including the 2023 XFL Showcases, and Grid Camp in 2024, now he will again attend the UFL showcases.
Game Manager, Not a Derogatory Term
Sometimes the term game manager is used as a derogatory term, but in this case, it’s quite the opposite. Barrett comes with a veteran’s confidence and knowledge but despite his extensive background he is still in his 20’s looking for an opportunity to prove he belongs at the UFL level. He tends to protect the ball, and a knack for reading a defense pre-snap hallmarks of an experienced quarterback, and a credit to his time playing two seasons each year split between indoor and semi-pro.
A team like Memphis, or Houston makes some sense as potential landing spots for this gunslinger. Both teams have used more veteran passers since they returned to football just two years ago, and they could see value in a player who isn’t a finished product but has a high floor due to his extensive starting experience. Barrett spent the 2024 season out of indoor ball focusing on his family and workouts to return in 2025 stronger, faster, and more prepared than ever before. Keep an eye on Ice Man he could be coming to a UFL roster near you.
Sponsor: Upside
This article and so much more is brought to you by Upside. Upside is a free not strings attached app that will pay you cashback for the purchases you already make. Gas, Groceries, or a Good Meal, with just 3 clicks, you can earn CashBack today at HUNDREDS of locations. Use our code Sam363682 to save an additional 15 cents per gallon on your next fuel purchase. With discounts up to 25 cents per gallon, you could earn 40 cents back per gallon on your first purchase. Again use our code Sam363682 at sign up.
YouTube
Please also help us continue growing on our YouTube Channel by subscribing if you haven’t already. Also like and comment on any videos you enjoy! Thank you for your support and we hope you continue to tune in!
Saturday Broadcast Schedule
Around the indoor world 8:00 am ET (IFL, NAL, AIF)
Discord/Facebook Groups
Are you on discord or facebook? Join our server/groups to jump in the conversation, stay up to date on your favorite leagues and give us your jot takes. You can also promote your content!
Discover more from Shady Sports Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.