Brian Banks

Brian Banks was a high school football star with a full ride scholarship to USC and his sights set on the NFL. Those dreams were shattered when he was falsely accused and convicted of a crime he did not commit. Ultimately, with the help of the California Innocence Project, Brian was exonerated after serving more than five years in prison and an additional five years on parole for crimes uncommitted. Having secured his freedom, Brian recaptured his dreams of playing in the NFL. After trying out for numerous teams, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons in April 2013. Soon after, Brian was offered a job at the NFL's Front Office by Commissioner Roger Goodell himself. Brian has gone on to become a Life Coach and nationally-recognized public speaker, having spoken across the country and internationally. He sits on the advisory boards of the California Innocence Project and the National Registry of Exoneration. In 2017, Brian co-hosted Final Appeal, a television series for the Oxygen network where Brian searches to uncover the truth behind controversial cases that may have led to wrongful convictions. A feature film about his life was released in theaters nationwide August 9th, 2019 staring Aldis Hodge playing the role of Brian. Motivated by his powerful philosophy, "The Power of Choice," Banks offers deeply personal perspective on redemption, overcoming unimaginable challenges, maintaining a positive outlook and reclaiming one's path in life.