Texas Offensive Tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is Taking Food Seriously

Vacationing in Texas and don’t know where to eat? Kelvin Banks Jr. may have some recommendations for you.

The Texas offensive tackle is staying busy during the offseason by hosting his very own Austin BBQ Tour. 

Banks is visiting different barbecue restaurants around Austin, Texas, and sharing his thoughts on the food and ambiance of each establishment. He has posted three episodes on his Instagram since the series began in April. Here is a recap of what Banks has noted so far.

Episode 1: Terry Black’s Barbecue

The first stop on Banks’ tour was Terry Black’s Barbecue and Banks had nothing but good things to say. 

Here, he tried the restaurant’s beef brisket and beef ribs with their specialty sauce. He also ordered sides of mac and cheese and potato salad, which Banks said brought out more flavor in the meat. Overall, he says it was 9.8 as an experience.

Episode 2: Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

For his second stop on the tour, Banks visited Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. Here, Banks chose the sirloin and brisket with what appeared to be his favorite sides: mac and cheese and potato salad. 

He said that all of the food mixed well together and rated the sirloin a 9 and the meal overall an 8.5. He also recommends the establishment to anyone who likes an overall “chill vibe.”

Episode 3: Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q

In his most recent stop on the tour, Banks checked out Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q. He even provided a little bit of the restaurant’s history before diving into the food. He then ordered brisket and what appeared to be regular and jalapeño sausage links.

Banks noted the sauce had a uniquely spicy taste. He gave the jalapeño sausage a 7.5 while the regular version received a 9 for a grade.

Is he partnering with the restaurants?

It’s unclear whether or not Banks has established some sort of Name, Image, and Likeness partnership with each of the restaurants. He at least seems to be receiving preferential treatment from some of the establishments.

For example, when Banks visited Terry Black’s Barbecue he mentioned the restaurant’s long line and thanked the general manager for reserving a spot for him. At Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q, Banks also received a package of sauces.

He is also seen wearing hats and t-shirts advertising some of the restaurants in the videos.

Whether he has an agreement with the businesses or not isn’t particularly important. It’s smart for both parties to work together and advertise each other.

Is Banks starting or joining a trend?

While it may seem that he’s the only athlete from his draft class hosting a food series, this isn’t the case. 

Banks takes the cake for a BBQ-themed tour but three Ohio State Buckeyes have also created a food series entitled “DonZenLeik.” Together, offensive linemen Donovan Jackson and Zenuae Michalski, plus defensive tackle Tyleik Williams each review restaurants in Ohio, much like Banks. For more information on their show, check out this link.

In the meantime, you can find all of the episodes of Banks’ tour on his Instagram. 

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.