Brian Banks: Falcons LB May Be Cut Despite Inspiring Story

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

As sports fans, we love a great story. It doesn’t matter if it involves your favorite team’s most bitter rival, a heart-warming story brings all fans together like nothing else can.

Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Brian Banks is attempting to turn one of those stories into the biggest of realities in his world: Make an NFL roster.

Banks isn’t just any rookie. I’m sure most have heard the story that has gone viral by now, as he was wrongfully accused of rape about 10 years ago. Banks spent five years in prison starting in 2002 and then followed it up with nearly another five years of probation. Banks was exonerated after his accuser was taped while confessing her wrongdoing.

Now 28 years old, Banks is getting the opportunity of a lifetime as Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has given him the chance to make a roster. But, despite his incredible background, Banks may not wind up making the final cut as he has been outplayed during the preseason by fellow linebacker Paul Worrilow.

Linebackers coach Glenn Pires sees Banks just like every other rookie out there on the field, according to Bleacher Report.

“I think they’re all the same,” Pires said earlier this month. “He’s in with everybody else, and everybody’s doing well. Our guys, we’re all interchangeable,” Pires said. “Everybody’s kind of working with different groups, which is something that we do.”

Banks may not like to hear those words, but when it comes to winning a championship, the coaches need to do what is best for the team. Right now, Worrilow has been the team’s leading tackler throughout the preseason and Banks’ job could be in serious danger.

Regardless if Banks makes the team or not, his story will surely be remembered as an amazing one. He has already received hundreds of film and book offers to tell the story of his past decade. That, in and of itself, could turn out to be quite a turning point in his life.

Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.