Who Are the Parents of Kelvin Banks Jr.? A Quick Look Into the Family of Texas’ OT

Iron sharpens iron, and family sharpens dreams. And that’s true for Kelvin Banks Jr. The former Longhorns star is arguably the best offensive tackle heading into the 2025 draft. His path to this point? Definitely not one he’s taken for granted, marked by some deeply emotional moments. Sure, he might’ve slipped a bit on a few draft boards lately, but that top-15 talent is still crystal clear.

The Texas standout recently had a private workout with Falcons HC Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot—and with Atlanta holding that 15th pick, that visit could be a major clue. Even though Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft has him falling to No. 31, pointing to some injuries and inconsistency, Banks isn’t letting it shake him. He’s still riding the high of an award-filled career at Texas. Honestly, the raw talent is there, the drive is undeniable, and draft night could be his big comeback story. But for Banks Jr., family has always been the bedrock. From those early dreams in the backyard to the bright lights of the big stage, his parents have been his constant support.

Who are Kelvin Banks Jr.’s parents, and where are they from?

Kelvin Banks Jr. comes from proud Texas roots. Well, his parents, Kelvin Banks Sr. and Monica Banks, are both American nationals. They’ve built their life in the Lone Star State—the same place where Kelvin’s football journey began. As of now, from the Texas heat to the Friday night lights, his family has been his rock. Looks like it’s where values were taught, dreams were born, and a star was raised.

How has his mother, Monica Banks, helped him?

For Kelvin Banks Jr., football has always been more than a game—it’s a dream nurtured by love, especially from his mom, Monica Banks. Yes, she’s been his loudest cheerleader, constant motivator, and steady guiding light. From posting throwback photos of Kelvin in Longhorns gear to celebrating every milestone, Monica has always believed in her son’s path. And her pride in his commitment to UT ran deep—it wasn’t just a decision; it was a lifelong dream realized.

But their journey hasn’t been without challenges. In the fall of 2022, life took a scary turn for Monica. After attending a game against Oklahoma State, she suddenly collapsed in the parking lot. Doctors discovered a blood clot in her heart, which kicked off a really tough medical journey that included time in a coma and later in hospice care.

Even when she couldn’t be there in person, Monica’s impact on Kelvin never faded. As Kelvin Banks Jr. shared in a heartfelt interview, “Every time she would miss a game, I would always think about it because not seeing her is kind of like hard for me to go through in those moments.” It was a rough patch for the whole family, no doubt. But fast forward to 2024, and after a successful surgery, she made this incredible comeback. She’s back in the stands, stronger than ever, cheering her son on. For Kelvin, having her there means the world. Seriously, her strength is what keeps him going.

What role did his father, Kelvin Banks Sr., play?

Kelvin Jr.’s father, Kelvin Banks Sr., might not be in the spotlight, but his impact runs deep. As a steady presence in Kelvin Jr.’s life, he’s been a rock through every high and low. Well, from guiding his son’s athletic journey to offering quiet strength behind the scenes, his support has been unshakable.

Most importantly, when Monica Banks fell seriously ill, it was Kelvin Sr. who pushed to get answers—helping uncover the cause of her condition and setting her on the road to recovery. His determination not only helped save his wife but also kept the family grounded. And for Kelvin Jr., his dad’s quiet power is a driving force that fuels both his game and his grit.

Kelvin Banks Jr. wasted no time making his mark at Texas. As a freshman, he locked down the left tackle spot, starting all 13 games. And his dominance earned him Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2022. On top of that, by year two, he leveled up—starting every game and earning First-Team All-Big 12 in 2023. His high football IQ and impressive natural talent have earned him significant praise from coaches, including Sarkisian, who calls him “a tremendous talent.” But now, all eyes are on the 2025 NFL Draft—where Banks is primed to be a game-changer in the pros.