Saints Rookie OT Kelvin Banks Jr. Requests to Sit Out the Rest of the Season – And the Reason Behind It Has the Entire Saints Community Bowing in Respect

New Orleans, Louisiana. 19/11/2025

A story that has captured the attention of Saints fans and NFL observers alike comes from rookie offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. After a challenging stretch of performances, Banks Jr. has voluntarily requested to sit out the remainder of the season to give veteran Trevor Penning a chance to reclaim the starting role. The decision surprised the team but showcased a level of maturity and selflessness rarely seen from a rookie.

Banks Jr. started the season with promise, but recent weeks exposed struggles with footwork, inconsistent pass protection, and lapses in confidence. Despite the coaching staff maintaining public patience and emphasizing his development, Banks Jr. felt he could no longer provide the stability the team needed during a crucial playoff race.

In a private discussion with head coach Kellen Moore, he explained his decision and shared his thoughts about the team:

“I need time to rebuild myself, instead of forcing my way onto the field when I’m not ready. I can’t be selfish and risk holding the team back, especially as we push toward a pivotal stretch of the season. Trevor has been grinding tirelessly and earned the chance to start again. I’m still young, I’ll grow, but right now the team deserves the strongest version of its left tackle – not a rookie hanging on because of a draft pick.”

This level of honesty and accountability impressed both coaches and teammates. Multiple sources reported that Banks Jr. has been dedicating extra hours after practice to review film, study technique, and seek guidance from veterans, demonstrating a commitment to grow even while stepping back.

The Saints coaching staff is evaluating the request seriously, respecting Banks Jr.’s willingness to put the team’s success above his own ambitions. Teammates have noted that his decision reflects a rare sense of leadership and perspective for a first-year player.

Though no final decision has been made, one thing is clear: Kelvin Banks Jr. is showing traits of a future leader, one willing to sacrifice personal glory for the good of the team. In a high-stakes playoff race, stepping aside to allow the best player to perform may be the boldest act of maturity yet from a rookie.

This story highlights that growth in the NFL isn’t only measured in plays and stats, but also in character and the courage to make the right choice for the team.