Korey Banks was born August 7, 1979 in Boynton Beach, Florida. He is in his eighth year in the CFL and sixth year with the Lions. Korey is the Lions’ most athletic defender; he has earned a reputation among CFL quarterbacks as a player to be avoided.
Banks went to Garden State Community College form 1999 to 2000 before transferring to Mississippi State from 2000 – 2001. Banks started 23 games with the Bulldogs, and finished his college career with 93 tackles, 7 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.
In 2004 Korey signed as a free agent with the Ottawa Renegades. He was named CFL and East Division all-star for 2005. Unfortunately the Ottawa Renegades announced after the 2005 season that they would not field a team for the 2006 season. Their entire roster was subject to a dispersal draft in advance of the 2006 season.
Banks was coming off an all-star season in 2005, and the BC Lions jumped at the opportunity to sign the talented defender in the first round (sixth overall) in the 2006 CFL Dispersal Draft. Korey was again named CFL and West Division all-star, and celebrated a Grey Cup win with the Lions in 2006. Korey enjoyed another all-star season in 2007 and 2008, as a starter in the BC defensive backfield. In 2008 he played in all 18 games, recording then career-highs of 55 defensive tackles and four sacks. He ranked third in the CFL with his six. Korey was celebrated again, for both 2007 and 2008, as a CFL and West Division all-star.
Korey made a smooth transition to the nickel back position halfway through the 2009 season, combining defensive back skills with the outstanding play-reading ability usually found at the linebacker spot. He finished the year being selected to the West Division and CFL All-Star teams while recording career-highs of 56 tackles, 5 sacks, along with 4 interceptions for 47 yards and a fumble recovery in one of his finest all-round seasons. Korey played all 18 games plus the East Division playoffs where he posted another 4 tackles and a pair of pass knockdowns. He also extended his current streak to 48 consecutive games played.
The club's most consistent defender in 2010 through all 18 regular season games and the West Semi-Final, Banks shared the team lead in sacks while adding team highs in tackles for a loss , pass knockdowns, forced fumbles and fumble returns. Korey also added 55 defensive tackles to rank fifth on the team. The standout year earned the veteran defensive back a team nomination as Outstanding Defensive player and a West Division All-Star selection.
Also in 2010, his name was added to Eric Carter and Barron Miles as the only three players in Lions history to be named an All-Star in each of their first five seasons with the club. Outside of professional football, Korey Banks has quietly built a foundation in Atlanta, H.O.P.E 24, which is dedicated to making high school sports a possibility for youths that are restricted due to financial reasons. Korey saw a need in his community, and did something about it.
“You see how a little money can help change the path someone might take”
H.O.P.E 24 is in its third year and sponsors around 30 youths. Korey’s goal for the foundation is to sponsor 500 youth’s.
Korey, his wife Tartesia and children make their off-season home in Atlanta. He stays busy working out and managing a number of investment properties.
Korey will be one of the Players heading to Barbados next May for the inaugural Pro Players' FANtasy Camp. Check out his video and enter for your chance to win a spot on his team.