Tony Banks

By Allyson Turner

Tony Banks is entering his third season with the St. Louis Rams. He lettered in three sports in high school: football, baseball and basketball. After high school he played in the Minnesota Twins organization as an outfielder before suffering a career-ending rotator cuff injury. Tony played for Michigan State and was ranked third on the Spartans' career list with a 60.7 pass completion percentage, fourth all time with 4,129 yards passing and fifth with 301 completions. In his rookie season with the Rams he threw for 2,544 yards and 15 touchdowns.

 

Tony Banks went to the same high school as baseball legend Ted Williams. (Allsport)

Who makes you laugh?
Me, I think I am hilarious.

If your car hit a parked car and you were sure no one was watching, what would you do?
Leave a note ... signing it Eddie Kennison.

What in your life are you most grateful for?
While most of my friends grew up without a positive role model in their life, I was blessed to have a great father. I am grateful that he has always been in my life, and I believe that is a big reason why I am here in the NFL today.

If you could be someone else for a day, who would it be?
Michael Jordan ... I want to know what it feels like to be on top of the world!

What do you like best about your life? Least?
The best thing I like about my life is that I am in a position to be able to help my family if they need it. The thing I like least is my visibility. Sometimes I just want to blend in the crowd.

If you're talking to someone who has something between their teeth, what do you do?
I would let the ladies know. I do not know about the guys.

Is there something about yourself you would like to change?
I'm happy. I would not change anything, only enhance and improve what I have.

It's your last meal, where do you want to eat?
My dad's ribs in San Diego. (His father owns a barbecue stand in San Diego)

Is there anything you wish you would've done but chose not to?
I wish I would have played both baseball and football in college.

If your life were a feature film, would it be comedy, drama, or action?
All of the above including romance, but if I had to choose one it would be a comedy.

Who would you ask for a favor?
Ms. Janet Jackson.

What is your favorite place in the world?
San Diego, California.

You have to fly across the country. Who would you like to sit next to?
My Pop.

What is your pet peeve?
Disrespectful people, especially children.

If I were to push "play" on your CD player, what would be playing?
The late great Tupak Shakur.

Who do you most admire? Why?
My father because he is a strong, confident man who has always been there for me no matter what.

What is a perfect day?
I imagine beating the San Francisco 49ers.