Chip Banks was a professional football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was born on August 10, 1960, in Augusta, Georgia, and attended the University of Southern California (USC) where he played college football.
Banks was selected by the Cleveland Browns as the third overall pick in the 1982 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the best linebackers in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors in his rookie season. Banks played for the Browns for four seasons, from 1982 to 1985, and was a key player on their defense.
In 1986, Banks was traded to the San Diego Chargers, where he continued to excel. He played for the Chargers for five seasons, from 1986 to 1990, and was a Pro Bowl selection in each of those seasons. Banks was a dominant force on the Chargers' defense, helping the team reach the playoffs in four of his five seasons with the team.
Banks' career took a downturn in 1991 when he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts. He played just one season for the Colts before being released in 1992. Banks signed with the Arizona Cardinals for the 1992 season but played in just two games before being released again.
Despite his short stint with the Colts and Cardinals, Banks had a successful career in the NFL. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time First-Team All-Pro, and was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1986. Banks finished his career with 46.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, and 10 fumble recoveries.
Off the field, Banks had a troubled personal life. He was arrested multiple times for drug-related offenses and was involved in a serious car accident in 2003 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Banks has since become an advocate for spinal cord injury research and has worked to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
In conclusion, Chip Banks was a dominant linebacker in the NFL during his ten-year career. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time First-Team All-Pro. Despite his success on the field, Banks' personal life was plagued by drug-related issues and a serious car accident that left him paralyzed. He has since become an advocate for spinal cord injury research and drug abuse awareness.
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