At the age of 16, Brian Banks had a lot going for him. He was a young, talented football star who seemed destined for greatness and likely to follow in the footsteps of so many outstanding linebackers for USC, the school to which he had committed, and proceed on to the NFL.
Instead, he was accused and convicted of raping and kidnapping a classmate, and spent five years in prison and another five wearing an ankle bracelet. Those hopes and dreams were gone.
However, his situation has changed drastically in the last year. His conviction was overturned, and he was able to get his life back after his accuser confessed to fabricating the allegation.
Now, it looks like the 27-year-old may have a chance to get his football career back as well. Banks tried out for several teams last year, but failed to latch on to any of them and ultimately wound up playing in the UFL for the Las Vegas Locomotives. When the league failed, Banks was again out of a job.
Not anymore.
The former prep star has now signed on for a chance to make the Atlanta Falcons’ 53 man roster, and he will have the opportunity to make the most of a second chance at a career that never should have been interrupted.