[College Sports News]

He was never the biggest or strongest player on his team, as tough as that may be to believe. But for big contributions and strength of character, Carl Banks was tough to beat.

Though Michigan State lost twice as much as it won from 1980-83, Banks was the Spartans' first non-punter to be named first-team All-Big Ten three times. An All-America outside linebacker as a senior, Banks became the third selection in the 1984 NFL Draft, made the 1980s All-Decade Team and earned two Super Bowl rings with the New York Giants.

When the cheering stopped in 1985, he attacked business the same way he did ball carriers and built G-III by Carl Banks into a major athletic apparel company. An analyst on Giants broadcasts, he is also an NFL commentator on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Carl Banks: Football Star & Businessman

[Lefty Noob]

Banks was, I always felts, a very underrated NFL linebacker. Never followed his career much in college though, I'm afraid. According to this article, "A three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, Carl Banks was named Linebacker of the Year by the Columbus Touchdown Club in 1983." So, I'm guessing he was pretty good then, eh?