Brian Banks was a 17-year-old with his whole life ahead of him. He was one of the top football players in the nation as a high-schooler at Long Beach Poly in California. Banks was set to attend USC on a full-ride scholarship. That never happened. Banks was accused of rape and kidnapping by a woman he was friends with. So, Banks was expelled and his scholarship was pulled. Even worse, Banks couldn’t prove a court he was innocent, even though DNA samples came back negative. Although Banks maintained his innocence, he lost the trial and was locked up for 5 years, and spent another 5 years on probation.

Banks was freed in June of last year, and finally had a chance to chase his NFL dreams. He is currently on the Atlanta Falcons’ roster, fighting to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Banks saw his first NFL action last night against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Welcome to the NFL, @BrianBanksFREE. pic.twitter.com/JskHSB9629

— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2013

Banks had to put in a lot time and effort to get back into form. Having not played organized football in ten years, Banks had plenty of work to do to get back into game shape. You would think a chip on the shoulder, a me-against-the-world attitude would be his sole motivation. But, that’s not the case. He told CNN that he used to be bitter and angry at his situation, but found the grace to let it all go. Banks said he’s grateful that his accuser recanted, and that he believes his nightmarish experience made him a better person.

But, how did Banks go from a registered sex offender on probation, to an NFL linebacker?

Amazingly, one day Banks’ accuser sent him a friend request on Facebook. Banks was dumbstruck. How can someone accuse you of rape/kidnapping, railroad your whole life, and then want to be friends? His accuser, Wanetta Gibson, wanted to meet with Banks. Luckily, Banks found a way to get his accuser to admit it all was a lie on a recording. With the help of the California Innocence Project, Banks was exonerated. No more ankle bracelet, no more registering as a sex offender, no more avoiding parks, schools, and young family members: freedom. Banks even had the grace to not go after his accuser in court.

Pete Carroll was the head coach at USC who originally recruited Brian Banks. Days after exoneration, Carroll reached out to Banks and offered him a tryout. While Banks didn’t make the Seahawks, the linebacker now had a legitimate chance to make the Atlanta Falcons.

Brian Banks’ life has been a rollercoaster. From stud high school player, to accused criminal, to NFL hopeful. I think most people will agree with me when I say I really hope Brian Banks makes the Falcons.