Johnthan Banks Is Having Fun?
By James Yarcho
Johnthan Banks is fighting for a roster spot and, in all honesty, it looks like he may not make the cut. Yet, he seems more interested in having fun than making the team.
Rick Brown of Today’s Pigskin had a story about Buccaneers’ cornerback Johnthan Banks having fun during camp, and not stressing over the pressure he is facing to make the team.
Wait…what?
A former second round pick is in danger of not making the 53-man roster, after going from starter to Lovie’s doghouse then being given a second chance, and he’s not worried?
"“I feel good man. I never feel pressure. I’m out here having fun. I can’t feel pressure. I’ve got two beautiful kids at home and a beautiful wife. I come out here go to work every day and give it all I’ve got. Whatever happens after that it happens. I started slow the first two days but I feel I picked it up a whole lot. I’ve been having solid practices. According to the media I’ve been terrible but I’m out here having fun.”More from Bucs NewsDevin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on TwitterUpdated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicampTodd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with BucsThe Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023Todd Bowles admits he only looks at three things on Bucs schedule"
Now, we’ve been very vocal in our support and hopes for Banks heading into 2016, but this just struck a nerve. This is not the mentality a bubble player, especially one drafted as high or with the expectations Banks came with, needs to have. We’ve seen the flashes of brilliance and potential since he joined the team in 2013, yet now he seems like a forgotten man.
Maybe that’s because he doesn’t care.
I can’t say that for certain, it’s sheer speculation, but given what he said this doesn’t seem like a player who is dying to make this team. This doesn’t seem like a player giving every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears to become what everyone once thought he could be. This is a guy just along for the ride.
If Johnthan Banks doesn’t love football or doesn’t care about making this team, that’s fine. People get into industries and careers all the time just to realize they don’t love it the way they thought they would. I’m not going to hold that against anyone. Everyone deserves the opportunity to do something that they love to do, that makes them happy. If that’s not football, then Banks has some soul searching to do.
As it stands now, you look at Brent Grimes, Alterraun Verner, Vernon Hargreaves III, Jude Adjei-Barimah as solidified corners on the roster with one, possibly two, spots left. Banks is already in danger of missing out on that spot and talking about not feeling any pressure and just being out there having fun isn’t making things any easier.
Yes, you should have fun, but you should also feel the pressure. It’s what you do with that pressure that will separate you from others. NFL players can’t shy away from pressure, can’t ignore it and pretend it doesn’t exist. They embrace it, persevere. That’s the difference between a Peyton Manning and a Ryan Leaf. The difference between an Antonio Brown and a Justin Blackmon.
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Feel that pressure, Banks. Embrace it. Feed off of it. We want to see you on that field against the Falcons on September 11th, not on a list of available free agents because you missed the cut. We are all hoping for the Johnthan Banks we’ve seen those flashes of. Aren’t you?