Kelvin Banks Jr. Shares Family’s Heart-Wrenching Story

Many college football fans may be familiar with the name Kevin Banks Jr. as one of the best current offensive tackles in college football. He was recently named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week on September 30 and October 14 and has played a vital part in the Texas Longhorns’ winning record this season.

Despite his success as a Longhorn, his family and he have endured a difficult battle off the field. ESPN recently shared a story about Banks’ silent struggle while he grappled with the idea of almost losing his mom.

A tough first year at Texas

Banks’ mother, Monica, collapsed after a game during his freshman year. The doctors found a blood clot in her heart, which left Monica rushed to the hospital week after week and lost her ability to walk and talk.

“Every time she would miss a game, I would always think about it. Not seeing her was hard for me to go through in those moments,” Banks shared. 

She was eventually placed in hospice care, where she was considered terminal. 

“There definitely were times where I would be angry and frustrated,” said Banks. “Everybody needs their mom, so just not being able to pick up the phone and talk to my mom, it was definitely tough.” 

Things begin to look up for the Banks family

Almost a year later, Banks’ father came to the conclusion that the issue was not as simple as a blood clot, but involved a leak in her gallbladder. The doctors altered her treatment and her progress has been exceptional.

Monica has since regained her ability to talk and is in physical therapy to hopefully get her up and out of her wheelchair.

The most important thing, to her and Banks, though, is that she is able to attend Longhorns’ games again.

“I’m happy I get to see my son and just to be back in life, being myself again,” she shared. “Being able to be ‘mom’, I’m just thankful.”

“I always turn and look up, just to make sure she knows I see where she is. Those moments are definitely special to me,” said Banks. “I don’t take them for granted.”

Banks’ grief-turned-strength

Banks originally shared his family’s story in September. Because he chose not to draw attention to his situation, he was silently grappling with confusion and frustration. 

“I didn’t let people know how I was feeling,” Banks stated. “I could feel myself being angry at others for something they didn’t do.”

Now things are looking up for his family, though, and he can play without any weight on his shoulders. 

​​His smooth footwork, speed, and size have contributed to Texas’s impressive offense. 

So far this season, Banks has consistently stayed in the top 32 slots of the 2025 Consensus Big Board (nflmockdraftdatabase.com). As of October 25, Banks falls second, just under Michigan tackle Will Campbell regarding draft projections. 

Plus, the fact that he can stay focused and perform highly under an immense amount of stress should make him a highly desired pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the 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.