34 former NY Jets who are part of the XFL in 2023

Former NY Jets on the San Antonio Brahmas

Hines Ward, HC

Yet another figure on this overall list who is from the Adam Gase era, this time, it's someone who the fan base adored a bit more, future Hall of Fame wide receiver Hines Ward. The Pittsburgh Steelers great spent two seasons with the Jets in 2019/2020 as an offensive assistant.

Ward is getting a grand opportunity in San Antonio to lead his own team. He's always been an easy person to root for unless you are a defensive back who is about to get crack blocked by him.

Jimmie Johnson, RBs coach

No not that Jimmy Johnson. This Johnson, no relation to Woody, coached the Jets tight ends for four seasons from 2015-2018 during the Todd Bowles era.

Jim Herrmann, DC

Perhaps longtime Jets supporters or New York football fans will remember Jim Herrmann. There was a time when Jim Herrmann, the former national championship coordinator at Michigan, was one of the most heralded assistants in the NFL.

Eric Mangini hired Herrmann in 2006, and he was considered an essential ingredient against rival New England. So much so that when Herrmann later moved on to the Giants, he was credited with helping the G-Men take down the Pats' attack in winning Super Bowl XLVI. A few years later, the Steelers hired Herrmann as a consultant to help them beat the Patriots.

Kalen Ballage, RB

This list is filled with ghosts from recent Jets past. Kalen Ballage, despite having a short stint with New York, was a memorable name because of how he eventually joined the green and white.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound tailback was a highly coveted player based on his elite skill set and 4.40 speed. Then Miami coach Adam Gase was fond of him, so when Gase made his way to New York, the Jets traded for Ballage, but he failed a physical voiding the deal.

Ballage eventually landed with New York later after the Dolphins cut bait, and he appeared in only three games with the Jets before being sent on his way to the Chargers.

Derrick Kelly, OL

A four-year starter at Florida State, signed with the Jets last spring after spending three seasons with the Saints and one on the Giants practice squad. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound tackle was released by the Jets near final cuts but ended the 2022 season back with New Orleans on their practice squad.

Luq Barcoo, CB

Another temporary Jets player in 2022 lands on this list, almost as a technicality. Luq Barcoo, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back has a ton of talent. It's why the Jets and four other NFL teams have taken extensive looks at him since 2020.

A good showing in the XFL could land him back on one of those NFL teams again later this spring — maybe the Jets.