Special teams ace Chris Banjo’s playing career in the NFL ended Thursday with his release from the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday and subsequent hire as a special teams assistant coach with the Denver Broncos.
Banjo, who turns 33 on Sunday, began his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. Despite not getting picked in the 2012 NFL Draft and not getting a contract, Banjo spent a year working a 9 to 5 job and training for another shot at the professional ranks. It was enough to earn him a tryout with the Jaguars in 2013 and he capitalized on the opportunity to earn a deal.
While Jacksonville waived Banjo three months later, it was his foot in the door. He signed with the Green Bay Packers a few days later and proved to be one of the NFL’s best special teamers.
Banjo joined the New Orleans Saints in 2016 and the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. In a decade in the NFL, Banjo recorded 143 tackles, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery touchdown.
In addition to hiring Banjo, the Broncos also hired Davis Webb — who spent the 2022 season as a backup for the New York Giants — as their new quarterbacks coach.
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