Carl Banks Biography

Carl E. Banks, born on August 29, 1962, is an American former professional football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League. He has played for the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, and Cleveland Browns from 1984 through 1995. Banks attended Beecher High School and graduated in 1980 after playing high school football there. He played college football at Michigan State University and was selected as the third overall pick in the 1984 NFL draft. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1987, recorded 39.5 career quarterback sacks, and was named to the NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team. He was part of the New York Giants teams that won Super Bowls XXI and XXV and contributed significantly to the Big Blue Wrecking Crew. In 1993, he signed a three-year contract to play for the Washington Redskins.