Brian Banks Released by Atlanta Falcons After Inspirational Journey to NFL

The story of Brian Banks‘ journey to the NFL has to be one of the most inspirational sports stories this year but Banks hit one of his first roadblocks on that journey Friday.

Banks was released by the Atlanta Falcons after signing with the team in April, according to Jay Glazer. Banks, a former USC recruit, was falsely accused of rape while still in high school and served five years in prison after accepting a plea deal on advice from his lawyer.

He never made it to USC, and after his accuser recanted her claim that Banks had raped and kidnapped her, he was exonerated on all charges.

Banks received tryouts with the Seahawks, Chargers and Chiefs last season. He joined the UFL with the Las Vegas Locomotives before the league shut down four games into the season.

Banks recorded two tackles in the Falcons’ preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, and after the game he gave a speech to the team in the locker room about appreciating every moment on the football field, Glazer reported.

Banks tweeted appreciation for the support he received after being cut from the team.

[tweet https://twitter.com/BrianBanksFREE/status/373574996842385408 align=’center’]

Glazer also reported that Falcons management was so impressed with Banks as a person that they are trying to find him a job opportunity in the Atlanta area near the team.

Photo via Instagram/BrianBanksFree