Carl Banks

Born: August 29,1962 Chicago Illinois
Home: New Jersey
Career: President sports apparel – GIII Apparel group, Chairman Banks Communications, 1993-97 director of Player Development New York Jets
Favorite Quotes: “You can benefit from change if you are proactive and opportunistic.” Sarah Levison NFLP, “Success is a journey not a destination” Deepak Chopra Author, ” Success Comes Through You Not To You” unknown, If I can’t change the people around me, I change the people around me” Chuck D artist/rapper Attended Michigan State University from 1980 – 1984, Majored in Communications Arts and Science.

While attending Michigan State Carl became the first Football Player (non kicker) in the history of the university to receive first team All-Big Ten honors three consecutive seasons. A consensus All – America his senior season, Carl was the #3 overall player chosen in the 1984 NFL Draft by the NY GIANTS. Throughout his distinguished 12 year career, Carl was key contributor in the Giants two SuperBowl victories in 1986 and 1990. In SUPERBOWL XXI, Carl was voted defensive MVP for is stellar performance that included more than 13 tackles. In 1988 the Washington Post named Carl Defensive Player of the year, he was also name to the All – NFL first team as well a first team PRO- BOWL selection.

While in New York Carl began to utilize his communications education in various areas of interest. During the season Carl wrote, produced, and hosted the Coca- Cola Carl Banks Giants Report on WNEW Radio every morning during the football season, and on Sundays after each home game Carl quickly showered hurried to the press box to host his hour long “Carl Banks Post Game Show” where fans could call in and express their views on the game. Carl was a color commentator for the Evander Holifield vs. Alex Stewart heavyweight boxing match in 1992.

Carl’s interest in fashion and his New York Giants playing address proved to be another winning combination. He recognized a lack of quality apparel sized to fit him and his teammates, so he took to the drawing board and designed outerwear for several teammates and friends around the NFL. After receiving positive reviews, in 1989 Carl applied for an NFL license to distribute his wears to major retailers. Before Carl could fully exploit his newly found niche he needed a manufacturing alliance that would make his dream a reality. In 1992 Carl joined the teamed at GIII Apparel the nations #1 outerwear importer where they began to formulate a long range plan that would afford their newly formed licensing division the opportunity for success consistent with GIII’S overall vision as a company. In 1996 the GIII/CARL BANKS line joined the exclusive $1million club at NFL PROPERTIES reserved for licensees who pay the NFL a minimum of $1million in royalties. In spring 1996 Team Licensing Business magazine rated GIII Apparel in it’s top 10 sports licensees. In 2002 GIII Apparel became one of only four exclusive licensees for NFL Properties, and in 2003 they were granted similar exclusive rights from NBA properties. The GIII/ CARL BANKS line also holds licenses for NHL, NASCAR, Collegiate, Starter Corp., and Louisville Slugger. Carl was also instrumental in other license acquisitions such as BET – Black Entertainment Network, and Sean John, Timberland.

Carl’s other passions include: Color Commentator for New York Giants Radio Network (WFAN), 2005 NEW GIANTS Color Analyst for WNBC NEW YORK, Co-Host of “Giants Game Plan” a sixteen week television talk show on FOX5 NEW YORK, Weekly host of “The Opening Drive” on Sirius Satellite Radio, President Banks Communications (an integrated marketing company) multimedia software development and Desktop video editing. He uses these skills to create logos, interactive training software and corporate presentations. Among his alliances in the technology sector are Oracle Corp., Compaq, and Macromedia. Carl has teamed with these industry leaders to develop interactive sports training, scouting, and education applications.