Tony Banks (American football)

Anthony "Tony" Lamar Banks (born April 5, 1973 in San Diego, California) is a former professional American football quarterback who played in the NFL. Banks currently serves as a football sideline reporter on the Big Ten Network alongside Chris Denari and Jeremy Leman.

High school years
Banks attended Hoover High School in San Diego, California, and was a letterman in football, basketball, and baseball.

Post high school and college years
Banks played right field for the Minnesota Twins' Class A team in Ft. Myers, Florida, before enrolling at San Diego Mesa College in San Diego. He played there two years before transferring to Michigan State University. Banks places among the all-time record holders at Michigan State. He ranks sixth in passing completion percentage, tenth in career passing yards, and tenth in passing touchdowns. Banks was the first quarterback selected in the 1996 NFL Draft.

In the October 2010 issue of Sports Illustrated, former NFL agent Josh Luchs alleges that he paid Banks 'several hundred dollars a month', while Banks was at Michigan State, a serious violation of NCAA eligibility rules if true.

St. Louis Rams
Tony Banks was drafted in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams and soon found himself the starter as a rookie; he would end up setting a record of fumbles that first season, with 21. Due to high expectations, Banks soon found himself the target of criticism from the St. Louis fans and media. Three years of inconsistent play led to his trade to the Baltimore Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens
Tony Banks accumulated the best statistics of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens started Scott Mitchell and Stoney Case early in 1999, but neither worked out. So the team turned to Banks. In 1999, he threw a career-high 17 TDs next to only 8 interceptions. He also mustered 2,136 passing yards. Banks played well in early 2000, but his fumbles and INTs cost the team three games in October. He was replaced by backup Trent Dilfer, who would remain the starter through the team's Super Bowl XXXV win. He finished 2000 with 8 touchdowns and 8 interceptions and was released in the off-season.

Dallas Cowboys
Leading into the 2001 season, Banks was signed by the Dallas Cowboys to replace the recently released and later retired Troy Aikman; however, on August 15, 2001, Banks was abruptly released by the Cowboys who chose instead to go with rookie Quincy Carter.

Washington Redskins
Later that year, Tony Banks signed with the Washington Redskins during Marty Schottenheimer's one year tenure as head coach. While with the Redskins, he became the first quarterback to follow an 0-5 start with 5 straight wins. He was released after the season.

Houston Texans
Tony Banks signed with the Houston Texans. He was the second-string quarterback for the Houston Texans behind David Carr. During his four year tenture with the team, Banks received minimal playing time. On February 28, 2006, Banks was released by the Houston Texans. He never returned to the NFL.