Brandon Banks has faced long odds at each stage of his NFL journey, constantly overcoming so-called experts that focus on what he can't do.
Banks has heard every criticism of his height, weight and strength, and just remembers one thing: speed kills.
"I've been doing this for the last three years," he said after securing his spot on the 53-man roster. "I'm glad I finally shut the media up."
Banks finished the preseason with the Redskins' longest rush from scrimmage (43 yards), the second-longest reception (47 yards), and the second-longest punt return in the entire NFL (91 yards).
Banks's performance earned his a spot on the 53-man roster for his dynamic play-making ability.
"The one thing about Brandon, he can make plays," said head coach Mike Shanahan. "He's a guy that's a playmaker, and he's proved that since he's been here.
"We're going to find ways to get him the football."
Last season, Banks was only featured in one offensive play, against the New England Patriots. Taking the end-around handoff from quarterback Rex Grossman, Banks threw a deep touchdown pass to Santana Moss, earning his a perfect career quarterback rating.
"I'm not just a returner or receiver or running back," Banks explained. "In high school, they just called me an athlete. I'm a 'slash' player."
Shanahan said not many players in the NFL bring the non-traditional skillset that Banks brings to the roster.
"When we ran him around on a reverse, not many people can make a corner miss like that and get a (43)-yard gain," Shanahan said. "If you have to put him in the backfield, you can run him as a tailback because he has such great quickness."
Banks is just happy that he and the coaching staff are on the same page.
"That's what I do: I'm a playmaker type of guy on the field," he said. "I'm glad [Shanahan] was aware of that and gave me an opportunity to be here with the things we're going to do on offense this year.
"I want the ball as many times as I can get it; getting in space and trying to make guys miss," he continued. "When I get the ball, I'm always thinking big play and trying to go the distance.
"However I get the ball, I'll be happy."
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