Keshawn Banks Bio
Keshawn Duvall Banks (born December 21, 1999) is an American professional football defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed at 251 pounds, he has built his career on the defensive side of the ball after beginning as a highly decorated high school athlete in New Mexico. He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs, where he developed into one of the conference’s most disruptive edge defenders.
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Banks signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent and has since moved across multiple organizations, including stints with the New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals and teams in the United Football League, before landing with the Atlanta Falcons.
Early Life and Background
Keshawn Duvall Banks was born on December 21, 1999, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He grew up in the Albuquerque metropolitan area and attended Rio Rancho High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where he lettered in three sports.
At Rio Rancho, Banks played football, basketball and track, earning three varsity letters in football. He helped the football team compile an undefeated 13–0 record and capture the state championship in 2016. He was recognized with all-district, all-metro and all-state honors, was named the metro defensive player of the year, and was invited to the North–South all-star game.
Over the course of his high school career, Banks totaled 133 tackles, 18 sacks, eight pass deflections, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. As a senior, he recorded 55 tackles, 10 sacks and four pass deflections. Rated as a three-star recruit, he committed to play college football for the San Diego State Aztecs.
Path to Professional Football
Banks arrived at San Diego State University in 2018 and quickly worked his way into the rotation. As a true freshman, he played in 12 games and posted seven tackles, giving the Aztecs an early look at his potential as an edge rusher.
He became a starter in 2019 and earned second-team All-Mountain West Conference (MWC) honors after totaling 43 tackles, 13.5 tackles-for-loss and 4.5 sacks. In 2020, a shortened season in which he started seven games, he recorded 14 tackles and was named honorable mention All-MWC.
In 2021, Banks repeated as a second-team all-conference selection, posting 35 tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, 15 quarterback hurries and five sacks. He capped his collegiate career in 2022 with 40 tackles, 11.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.5 sacks, earning honorable mention all-conference recognition. He started the final 47 games of his college career and finished sixth in San Diego State history with 42 tackles-for-loss, adding 137 total tackles.
Keshawn Banks Career
Early Professional Career (2023)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Keshawn Duvall Banks signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent. He recorded five tackles and two quarterback pressures during the preseason as he worked to earn a roster spot.
Banks was released at the final roster cuts and re-signed to the Packers’ practice squad. He did not appear in a regular-season game during the 2023 campaign, but he was elevated to the active roster for the team’s divisional round playoff contest. He made his NFL debut in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, playing nine special teams snaps and two defensive snaps.
Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots Era (2023-2024)
On January 22, 2024, Banks signed a reserve/future contract with the Green Bay Packers, securing his place with the organization into the offseason. He was released by the Packers on August 27, 2024, as the team shaped its initial 53-man roster.
On October 23, 2024, Banks signed with the New England Patriots practice squad. He appeared in three games for the Patriots before being released on December 10, 2024, continuing his search for a stable NFL role.
Arizona Cardinals and UFL Stints (2024-2025)
On December 18, 2024, the Arizona Cardinals signed Banks to their practice squad, giving him another opportunity within the league. His stay with the Cardinals came after a brief move into the spring football ranks, as he had signed with the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League (UFL) on October 9, 2024, before his contract was terminated on October 22 to return to an NFL team.
Banks re-signed with the Michigan Panthers on August 29, 2025, re-entering the UFL during the offseason. On January 14, 2026, he was selected by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft, continuing his path through the spring league.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2026-Present)
On June 17, 2026, Banks signed with the Atlanta Falcons on the second day of the team’s mini-camp, joining the active roster ahead of the new season. The move gave the Falcons another developmental edge prospect.
Banks is listed on the Atlanta Falcons roster as an active defensive end, working to carve out a role within the team’s defensive rotation.
Driving Style and Strengths
Keshawn Duvall Banks profiles as a quick, leverage-driven edge defender whose college production came largely from tackles-for-loss and quarterback pressures. He pairs his 6-foot-3 frame with active hands and a strong motor, traits that have allowed him to contribute on special teams while he develops as a pass rusher at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his key milestones, Banks helped Rio Rancho High School to a 13–0 record and a 2016 state championship, posted 42 tackles-for-loss to rank sixth in San Diego State history, made his NFL playoff debut with the Green Bay Packers in a divisional round loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and later joined the Atlanta Falcons during the 2026 offseason after time in the UFL.
Keshawn Banks Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Keshawn Duvall Banks was raised in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, area, where he attended Rio Rancho High School and emerged as a multi-sport athlete. Public information about his immediate family and personal life is limited.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 calendar year, Banks’ activity centered on the United Football League after he re-signed with the Michigan Panthers on August 29, 2025. The stint kept him on the field in a professional setting while he continued to pursue an NFL opportunity.
That pathway paid off in early 2026, when he was selected by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft on January 14, 2026, and then signed with the Atlanta Falcons on June 17, 2026, putting him in position to compete for an active role in Atlanta’s defensive front.
