Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Zach Banner has completely reshaped his body, and now is hoping for a second chance at the NFL. Banner played for the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL this spring, and has lost over 70 pounds since getting back to football.
The Chicago Bears hosted him for a workout on Thursday. With a new-look body, Banner hopes to get himself back into the NFL.
The last time Banner was on a football team was with the Steelers in 2021, but after a torn ACL and multiple tryouts, he had not been able to land another contract in the NFL. Now, he hopes the UFL tape and his tryout with the Bears will land him that chance.
However, Banner says that he wants to get back into the NFL and has been beyond ready for some time at this point.
“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."
Banner cleared his knee, which he says is now fully healthy. After years of working out in hopes of some team taking a flyer on him, Banner still is holding out hope despite turning 31 last December.
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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