109 | Champion to Starter with Carl Banks

About the Guest:

Carl Banks is a legendary NFL linebacker, recognized for his influential career with the New York Giants where he secured two Super Bowl championships. The #3 overall pick in the 1984 NFL Draft out of Michigan State, Banks transitioned successfully from sports to business. Currently, he serves as the president of G-III Sports, a division of G-III Apparel Group, overseeing the production of licensed apparel for major sports leagues. Banks also played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Starter Corporation, a once iconic sportswear brand, through innovative business leadership.

Episode Summary

In this engaging episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks sits down with NFL legend Carl Banks to delve into the story of his rise from a multi-sport athlete in Flint, Michigan to a renowned sports figure and business leader. Brooks and Banks explore the trials and triumphs of Carl’s journey, beginning with his standout college career at Michigan State, where he emerged as a Big Ten defensive standout despite playing for underperforming teams. Banks’ journey is a lesson in resilience, underscored by influential mentorship, like that of NFL icon Jack Ham, who honed his skills for the professional stage.

In transitioning to the NFL’s New York Giants, Carl quickly cemented his status in the league with his championship spirit and fierce work ethic—a blend that went unnoticed by none, including fellow Giants like Lawrence Taylor. Beyond the gridiron, Carl’s story doesn’t halt; it shifts into a transformative business career where his creative passions and leadership spurred the rebirth of Starter as a pivotal brand in sports fashion. Through this insightful exchange, listeners gain a vivid understanding of Banks’ dedicated mindset and how key life lessons from sports can transfer into successful business ventures.

Key Takeaways

• Carl Banks’ journey from Flint, Michigan, to NFL stardom embodies perseverance and resilience, despite early adversities in college football.
• Influential mentorship from NFL legends like Jack Ham played a crucial role in Banks’ development and success in football.
• The transition from the NFL to business was natural for Banks, integrating his creative pursuits with leadership in sports apparel.
• Rejuvenating the Starter brand under Banks’ guidance signifies his impact on sports fashion, making nostalgia relevant in contemporary markets.
• The principles of hard work and unwavering confidence are central to Carl’s career, both on and off the field.

Notable Quotes

• “I had a champion spirit, you understand? I always had great coaching, and not just great coaching, great teachers.”
• “George Perlis obviously had come from the pros, and he said to me, ‘you’re a pro football player.’”
• “Lawrence Taylor practiced faster and harder than I ever played in a game in college, so I knew I had to ramp up.”
• “I just held on to my one and only call with Parcells post-draft… ‘I didn’t draft you to sit on the bench.’”
• “I knew where I stood in the Big Ten amongst players.”

Resources

• Carl Banks Instagram
• G-III Sports Apparel
• Starter Corporation

Dive into this episode to explore the captivating journey of Carl Banks, an inspiring figure whose life exemplifies relentless growth and innovation. Stay tuned for more insightful content from “Becoming UnDone” and uncover the stories of resilience that fuel top achievers.