Brad Banks was a star at Belle Glades Central, where he led the
But his transition to the pro game was anything but smooth. He wasn't drafted out of Iowa, and he was cut from the
Now, though, it appears Banks is giving it one more shot -- with the Omaha Nighthawks, part of the United Football League.
At the height of his success at Iowa, Banks was one of the most dynamic players in the game. His videogame-like quickness and laser of an arm left defenses stunned and befuddled. But as with so many mobile quarterbacks in college, pro scouts didn't think his game could translate to the NFL.
Banks, who is a cousin of Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin and who lives in West Palm Beach, kept at it, though. Success stories like Kurt Warner and Jake Delhomme propelled him year after year. But in six seasons in Canada and Germany, Banks totaled fewer than 2,000 passing yards and less than ten touchdown passes.
The Omaha Nighthawks, seeing the opportunity with a local hero, have invited Banks to try out for the 2010 team. "They called me up and said let's see what you can do," Banks told the Omaha World Herald. "I'm excited about it. I think it would be a good opportunity."
Here at the Juice, we root for great stories. And if Banks is able to resurrect a pro football career, able to start a new trajectory of the NFL, that could be one of the best sports stories of all time. And whether he makes the team or not, it takes some guts (and humility) just to keep trying. For that, he deserves a South Florida toast: Here's to you, Brad.
