Longtime NFL Writer Don Banks Passes Away at Age 56 After Attending Hall of Fame Ceremony
By Parker White
The NFL family had a whirlwind of emotions this weekend.
They celebrated the inductions of eight new members into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but sadly on Sunday morning, longtime NFL reporter Don Banks passed away in his sleep at the age of 56 in Canton.
Don Banks, the veteran football writer who was recently hired by the Review-Journal to cover the NFL, died in his sleep early Sunday morning after attending Hall of Fame ceremonies in Canton, Ohiohttps://t.co/Mc1GLIr5L5
— Las Vegas RJ Sports (@RJ_Sports) August 4, 2019
Banks' passing comes after recently being hired by the Review-Journal. He spent the past three NFL seasons writing for The Athletic, after spending the previous 17 years covering the NFL for Sports Illustrated.
“Words can’t express the depth of sadness the Review-Journal staff feels for Don’s family and friends,” Review-Journal Executive Editor Glenn Cook said Sunday. “Beyond a sportswriting institution, Don was a dedicated husband and father and a class act. No NFL journalist commanded more respect. The sport has lost one of its finest storytellers.”
Like everyone, I’m shocked about Don Banks. He was so excited about his new job. Now dead at 56! RIP, Don. He was one of the best NFL beat writers I’ve ever known.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 4, 2019
Banks was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Canton, Ohio at the Hall of Fame early Sunday morning. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
Banks is survived by his wife and two sons.