One of the most interesting and inspiring stories of this offseason has come to an end. For now. The Atlanta Falcons released linebacker Brian Branks. This ended the comeback attempt for a player that was 10 years removed from organized football after being wrongfully accused of rape as a high school student. This comeback was always considered a longshot but it was impossible not to hope that the football career of this young man might come full circle and be where it might have been. His football future and much of his youth was yanked away from him because of a baseless accusation. Despite all of that, his approach to life is without any bitterness. He wasn't worried about being released from the Falcons because he knew that he had done all that he could to reignite his once promising football future.
Despite being released, Brian Banks made an impact on the Atlanta Falcons. Jay Glazer reported that Banks gave a speech Thursday night to the team that had some vets on the verge of tears, about appreciating every second on that field. Falcons owner Arthur Blank was so impressed by Banks during his time with the team that he's trying to find a career opportunity for him in the Atlanta area. Banks is winning admirers everywhere he goes. The way that he's handled everything thrown at him is simply amazing. So many have come away from a similar path broken and bitter. He's made himself better. Football might not be in his present. Could be in his future. It doesn't really matter. He had to try.
Through his time with the Falcons, did Brian Banks think of the 28-year old linebacker that he could have been if everything had been as it should? Fast forward through a life that wasn't taken away and find the linebacker that might have been? Many of us would think about that. I certainly would. Brian Banks sure seems fine with the man that he is. He just wanted the chance to play football. The freedom to play football. He's just happy to be free.
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