Tony Banks, a quarterback known for his strong arm and athletic ability, played in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams over the course of his career. Born on April 5, 1973, in San Diego, California, Banks attended high school at Hoover High in San Diego, where he first demonstrated his potential as a football player. He later played college football at Michigan State University, where he honed his skills and prepared for the professional level.
In the 1996 NFL Draft, Banks was selected in the second round by the St. Louis Rams. He quickly became the starting quarterback for the Rams, showcasing his ability to lead an offense. During his time with the Rams, Banks displayed moments of brilliance, though his tenure was marked by inconsistency. His time in St. Louis lasted until 1998, after which he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens.
Banks joined the Ravens in 1999, where he played under head coach Brian Billick. His stint with the Ravens was highlighted by a strong start in the 2000 season, but he was eventually replaced by Trent Dilfer. Despite this, Banks contributed to the team's early success that year, which ultimately culminated in a Super Bowl victory for the Ravens, although he was not the starting quarterback during the championship game.
Following his time in Baltimore, Banks signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2001. His stay in Dallas was brief, as he was released before the start of the regular season. He then joined the Washington Redskins, where he played for the 2001 season. Banks started several games for the Redskins, providing veteran leadership and experience to the team's offense.
In 2002, Banks found a new home with the Houston Texans, an expansion team in their inaugural season. As the Texans' quarterback, Banks played a crucial role in helping the team establish itself in the league. He served as a backup and occasional starter, providing stability and guidance to the young franchise. Banks remained with the Texans until 2003, after which he retired from professional football.
Throughout his NFL career, Tony Banks was known for his physical attributes, including his strong throwing arm and mobility.
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