Zach Banner Bio
Zachery Samuel Banner, nicknamed ‘the Hulk’, is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League (UFL). He played tackle in college football for the University of Southern California Trojans, where he was a two-time All-American and first-team All-Pac-12. Banner was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, marking a significant milestone as he became the first Chamorro to be selected in an NFL draft. Throughout his professional career, he has played for several teams including the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Early Life and Background
Zach Banner was born on December 25, 1993, in Seattle, Washington, and grew up in Tacoma, Washington. He has Chamorro and African-American heritage. Banner was raised by Ron Banner, the superintendent of the Clover Park School District, after his mother, Vanessa, married him when Zach was eight years old. His mother works as a middle school administrator and has roots in the Mariana Islands. Zach’s biological father is Lincoln Kennedy, a former NFL Pro Bowl offensive tackle, but Zach did not learn of his father’s identity until he was in seventh grade. Banner showed exceptional physical growth from a young age, reaching 5 feet tall in second grade and 6 feet 7 inches by his first year of high school.
Path to American Football
Banner attended Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington, where he excelled as an offensive lineman. He was a two-time All-American and earned numerous accolades during his high school career, including being named the Most Inspirational Player as a freshman. By the time he graduated, he was regarded as a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 2 offensive tackle in his class. Banner also played basketball, averaging 18.6 points and 17.3 rebounds, and was involved in various extracurricular activities, including serving as class president. He later chose to play college football at the University of Southern California, where he played from 2013 to 2016.
Zach Banner Career
Early Career (2017)
Zach Banner was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, becoming the first Chamorro player selected in NFL history. He made the Colts’ 53-man roster but was waived shortly after. He was quickly claimed by the Cleveland Browns, where he played in the last eight games of the season. Although his time with the Browns was brief, it marked the beginning of his professional career.
Breakthrough (2018-2022)
After his stint with the Cleveland Browns, Banner was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in August 2018. He became a fan favorite, known for his size and agility on the field. In 2019, he played 22% of the offensive snaps and made his first NFL start against the Cincinnati Bengals. Banner’s performance earned him a one-year contract extension in 2020, but he suffered a torn ACL in the first week of the season, which sidelined him for the remainder of the year. He re-signed with the Steelers in March 2021 but was placed on injured reserve later that year.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Zach Banner has been recognized for his contributions on and off the field. He has become known for his community service efforts, including the establishment of the B3 Foundation, which supports students in Guam, Tacoma, and Los Angeles.
Zach Banner Award Nominations
Zach Banner has received recognition for his performance in college football, notably being named a two-time first-team All-Pac-12 player.
Zach Banner Awards Won
While Zach Banner has not received major awards in the NFL, his collegiate achievements include being named to multiple All-American teams and receiving the Offensive Lineman of the Year Award at USC.
Zach Banner Family
Zach Banner is married to Alexandra Banner, who is the lead writer for CNN’s daily morning newsletter, 5 Things.
Personal Life
In addition to his football career, Zach Banner is known for his advocacy work. He has spoken out against anti-Semitism and has been involved in initiatives that promote understanding and support among different communities. His efforts have garnered significant attention and support, highlighting his commitment to social issues beyond the football field.