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Brian Banks is the kind of story sportswriters kill for, but he's much more than that. He's a man, a man who showed tremendous grace in the face of an enormous wrong, and a living inspiration for anyone who has ever doubted the power of a dream.
From the very beginning of his time in Atlanta, everyone was pulling for Banks. We wanted to see him make this team e and excel because he had earned much more than just a shot at playing for an NFL team. Throughout this entire process, all Banks did was talk about how blessed he was.
At the end of the day, football teams are about winning and business first, and there's only so much sentimentality that can sneak in. When you have to put your best 53 on the field, great men like Brian Banks sometimes can't and do not make the final roster.
Falcons are releasing @BrianBanksFREE. Hey brother, the dream isn't over, it was ACCOMPLISHED. However, Mr. ... http://t.co/Yd8j71q3sj
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) August 30, 2013
Banks should get a job in the organization, and he may eventually become something special as a coach or a scout. I've known this cut was coming for at least a couple of weeks now, but it remains a tough one. I really hope that Banks catches on in another capacity and stays with these Falcons for a long time.
Pat Schiller's gone, too. He's someone I've had (Twitter) conversations with in the past, and he's also a terrific guy. There's a reason these two days are so painful, and that's because players you've watched grow over a preseason or several seasons move on.
Tough day today. Want to thank all my teammates that I now call friends and all the fans for the most memorable past yr of my life #RiseUp
— Patrick Schiller (@Pat_Schiller) August 30, 2013
The picture is pretty clear at linebacker at this point. Robert James is likely making it, while Joplo Bartu and Paul Worrilow each have a shot at a roster spot or at least a practice squad berth.
I wish them both luck. Many more cuts soon to be announced, I'd expect, so check back for updates.