Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Zach Banner has earned himself a starting role on the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL. Banner, 31, had tried to make an NFL comeback for years after a devastating ACL tear in 2020.
The last time Banner was on a football team was with the Steelers in 2021, but after that nagging torn ACL recovery and multiple tryouts, he had not been able to land another contract in the NFL. So, he hopes the UFL can be his proving ground.
“With time and age, you’re making fine wine,” Banner said. Every week, that phone doesn’t ring. That heartbreak, how do we push through? That’s probably my biggest area of growth. I’ve been ready."
Earning the starting job is Banner’s first step to doing that. He will make his UFL debut on Friday when the Roughnecks face the St. Louis Battlehawks.
He was a fourth-round pick out of USC by the Indianapolis Colts but flamed out quickly. The Steelers gave him a second chance in the NFL, and he steadily rose on the depth chart from there, but during his first career start at right tackle, he never got back onto the field to showcase what he could do. This will be his first time with an opportunity to prove he can still play at a high level.
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