At this point, even the average football fan is familiar with the story of Brian Banks. Accused of a crime he did not commit, Banks had to wait many years before living out a football dream that stopped short. Now a member of the Atlanta Falcons, Banks is taking advantage of every moment he is given in a football helmet. On Thursday night, another step was achieved as Banks made his NFL debut in the team's first preseason game.
"Out of control" was a phrase Banks used to describe the moment. Now a fan-favorite, Banks notes that he was filled with butterflies before running out of the tunnel at the Georgia Dome. The crowd went wild at the sight of his number.
"It was definitely a good feeling. It was one of those things where, coming from where you're coming from... just to have people support you chasing a dream," Banks said via the team's website. "I mean these guys have been working on this all their life. From pop-warner to high school to college, this is what they've been doing. For them to accept me, and let me be a part of it, and just get out here and play and show what I can do is more than I can ask for. I was just really excited to see these guys play today. I really was."
Banks was supposed to begin his football career at USC before being wrongly accused of a crime, After serving five years in prison and another four years on probation, Banks was given his freedom back. He is now making up for years of lost time.
Until recently, the most football action the linebacker saw was flag football and two games in the defunct United Football League. Then on Thursday night, linebackers coach Glenn Pires walked up to him and said, "You're up next."
Banks entered the game against the Cincinnati Bengals with 7:57 left in the game. He described the feeling as being shot out of a cannon.
"You're out there watching the other linebackers play, doing their thing and just being patient. I was enjoying the whole thing. This is what I was waiting for the whole time. I played an NFL game today," Banks said via the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
By the end, Banks was credited with two tackles. The fans went wild when his name was announced over the loud speaker. Mike Smith took the time to congratulate the linebacker on the progress he has made to this point. A long-shot at best to make the team, Banks is not letting the pressure weigh him down.
"Do I have to make it?" Banks asked. "I don't feel like I have to, but I want to -- not just for myself but for my family, for the people who've supported me and believed in me. For people who've lost hope in their own [life]. If I can be some kind of vessel, to show people that no matter the hard time you experienced, you can still succeed, I want to put out that positive energy, to never quit and never give up."
