The Man Behind the Millions: What Packers Fans Need to Know About Aaron Banks

Green Bay Packers fans have a new face on their offensive line—one that might not have made the headlines like some other free-agent signings, but who promises to bring solid contributions to the team. Aaron Banks, the Packers’ new left guard, is ready to bring his power and agility to Green Bay after a four-year, $77 million contract.

Who is Aaron Banks?

Born in Alameda, California, Banks’ football journey began long before his move to Green Bay. A standout at El Cerrito High School, where he was a four-star recruit, Banks excelled in both football and basketball. His athleticism helped him lead his team to a state championship in football and a sectional championship in basketball.

Banks’ college career at Notre Dame was a stepping stone to his NFL success. After redshirting in his first year, he quickly established himself as a mainstay on the Fighting Irish’s offensive line, earning first-team All-American honors in 2020. Banks started 31 of 38 games during his college career, including all 13 games in his final season.

NFL Career: The 49ers Years

After his stellar college career, Banks was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, who saw the potential in the 6-foot-5, 325-pound lineman. Over the course of his first four years in the league, Banks cemented his place as a key piece of the 49ers’ offensive line, starting every game but one since 2022.

In his first season, Banks was relegated to a backup role, but he made the leap to the starting lineup in his second year. Despite battling injuries in 2023, including a sprained MCL and a concussion, Banks proved his durability, missing only six games since 2022.

The Move to Green Bay

Now, after the 49ers chose not to offer him an extension, Banks is taking his talents to Green Bay. The Packers’ decision to sign him comes at a time when they are retooling their offensive line. With plans to move Elgton Jenkins to center, Banks will step in as the left guard, a position he is well-versed in after years of experience in San Francisco.

The four-year, $77 million contract Banks is set to sign averages $19.25 million per year, placing him among the top-paid guards in the league. While it may not be the flashy signing some Packers fans were hoping for, his consistency and experience should be a welcome addition to Green Bay’s offensive line.

Off the Field

Though he’s known for his power and precision on the field, Banks is also known for his personality off the field. Nicknamed “The Dancing Bear” during his college days, Banks’ energy and fun-loving nature are contagious. He even organized weekly pizza parties for his offensive line teammates, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Banks is also an animal lover. He owns two huskies—Waffles and Pancakes—and a pitbull mix named Beans. His love for animals adds a warm, personal touch to his profile, balancing his on-field intensity.

What Packers Fans Can Expect

Aaron Banks may not be the most high-profile free-agent signing in 2024, but his skills and experience make him a key acquisition for the Packers. With a fresh start in Green Bay, Banks is poised to help solidify the Packers’ offensive line and contribute to the team’s push for success in the coming seasons.

At 27, Banks has plenty of prime years ahead of him, and Packers fans can expect a steady, reliable presence on the offensive front. As Green Bay adjusts to new faces and roles, Aaron Banks may not be the splashiest name, but he’s sure to make an impact where it matters most.