He played professionally as wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons, five for the Jacksonville Jaguars, two for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and one with the Oakland Raiders.

The Montgomery, Alabama native and Sidney Lanier High School standout finished his collegiate career with 133 catches and 2,536 yards.

In 2010, the Hornets went 7–5, claimed their fourth outright SWAC Eastern Divisional title and made their third trip to the league's championship game in eight seasons.

[3] Barlow has coached a few current and former NFL players, including Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, who was a member of the Super Bowl XLVIII Championship team, Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell, and Washington Redskins offensive tackle Terren Jones, as well as former Oakland Raiders receiver Greg Jenkins and former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Nigel Carr.

In 2014, after the completion of the school's football season, the Alabama State University Board of Trustees voted not to renew Barlow's contract.

The move was seen as controversial because Barlow had signed a contract-extension and salary increase months prior and had already begun getting paid at the higher rate.

In December 2015, it was announced that Barlow had agreed in principle to become head football coach at George Washington Carver High School Columbus, Georgia.

[4] Just a few months later, however, Barlow was mentioned as a candidate for the head football coaching job at his alma mater, Sidney Lanier High School.

In 2017, he led the Trojans to their first unbeaten season in school history, going 10-0 and defeating Fayetteville State to win the CIAA championship and a berth in the Division II playoffs.