Early years

Banks attended Loyola High School in the Pico-Union neighborhood, lettering in football and track. He would later accept a scholarship from Stanford University, where he practiced football and track, becoming a standout in the latter.

Professional career

New Orleans Saints

Banks was not selected in the 1980 NFL Draft and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New Orleans Saints. He played mainly on special teams before being waived on October 12, 1981.

San Diego Charges

On July 8, 1982, he signed with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent. He was cut on August 31.

Oakland Invaders (USFL)

In 1983, he signed as a free agent with the Oakland Invaders of the United States Football League, where he was a teammate of Anthony Carter. In his first year he registered 61 receptions for 855 yards and 2 touchdowns. In 1984, he tallied 64 receptions (first on the team) for 937 yards (first on the team) and 5 touchdowns.

In 1985, the Invaders were merged with the Michigan Panthers and he became a teammate of Anthony Carter and Bobby Hebert. He recorded 62 receptions (second on the team) for 1,115 receiving yards (second on the team) and 5 touchdowns. Banks finished as one of the career receiving leaders in USFL history, recording 187 receptions for 2,907 yards.

Dallas Cowboys

When the USFL folded in 1985, he signed in mid-season as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys. At the time, he was the team's fastest player. He was activated On December 5 and played in 2 games.

He appeared in all 16 games in 1986, registering 17 receptions for 202 yards and 27 punt returns for 160 yards. The next season, he had 15 receptions in the first 5 games, but suffered an injury that ended his season and eventually his professional career. He was waived on August 28, 1988.

Personal life

Banks is currently the Senior Pastor for Overcomer Covenant Church in Federal Way, Washington.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]