The Continuing Story of Brian Banks and the Seattle Seahawks

The Brian Banks story with Seattle, which was covered by yours truly and Keith over the last two weeks, continues on for at least one more chapter as Banks will join the Seahawks for their mini-camp this week.  After Seattle lost two OTAs due to too much contact, Banks was given a private tryout.  Even though no tryout details have been released so far, he has been invited back.  Banks also met with the San Diego Chargers, who did not extend an invitation, and will try out with the Kansas City Chiefs today before returning to Seattle to attend the mini-camp on Tuesday.

As a fan, this is what I love seeing my team do.   This move also highlights a key element of Pete Carroll and John Schneider’s strategy when it comes to building a team.  Banks has the build of a model linebacker even though Carroll has stated that he is not yet in playing shape.  More importantly, though, Banks is hungry, and after all the humanitarian reasons that do exist within Seahawks HQ, this is something Carroll and Schneider love. They have had pretty good success with “hungry” players in the past – players that are on the down and out for various reasons and looking to prove something. It could be for another shot in the NFL (Mike Williams) or a big contract somewhere (Alan Branch last year and hopefully Jason Jones this year).  And, if you’re good enough and have proven yourself you might get an extension or offer from Seattle (Marshawn Lynch, Red Bryant, and, I’d like to think soon, Chris Clemons).

If the talent just isn’t there, the Seahawks won’t extend a contract, to Banks or anyone else.  That’s just the way the business works, but it is always refreshing when business and humanity are able to overlap.  If Banks makes the team in Seattle, or anywhere else, his story would be just as dramatic and riveting as Michael Oher’s.  I’m looking forward to watching the Brian Banks story continue.