Texas Pigskin Pro turns Protein Pusher

Big Man on Campus, Bigger Man on the ‘Cue Circuit

When 6'5", 318-pound Kelvin Banks Jr. enters a BBQ joint, eyes widen. Not just because of his towering presence, but because they know they're about to serve a real one, a savior of Black-owned businesses and an icon for plus-sized people of color everywhere. And of course, they know he's about to give them a fat stack of cash, social media clout, and a new legion of followers, because this man is Kelvin Fucking Banks, Jr., left tackle for the Texas Longhorns and soon-to-be NFL legend.

But before stepping onto the gridiron, Banks is first and foremost a BBQ connoisseur, an adventurer in the vast terrain of smoked meats and sides, a critic with a palate that would make your shitty Michelin star chef weep. He's on a mission to spotlight the best Black-owned BBQ spots in Texas and beyond, and his Instagram series, the Barbecue Tasting Series, is a testament to that.

"I wanted to show myself and my character, and get myself out there," Banks said. "I'm a quiet, shy guy. And what better way to do that than through the great equalizer, the language of love: food? But let's be real, it ain't just about me. It's about the culture, the history, the Black and Brown people who've been cooking this food for generations, who've been shut out of the mainstream foodie scene for too damn long. So I'm using my platform to bring some fuckin' diversity to the table, ya feel me?"

And Banks isn't just a talker, he's a fucking walker. His series has already highlighted the likes of Terry Black's Barbecue, Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, and Rudy's in Austin, with more to come. On a recent visit to LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, a new spot in South Austin, Banks ducked beneath a ceiling beam, his eyes and nose taking in the sights and smells. "Smells fire in here," he said, a smile stretching across his face. "The vibe is A1, and I'm hype just looking at these pictures."

Banks ordered enough food to feed a small village, including his first-ever plate of beef cheeks, because he's about expanding horizons and shattering stereotypes. During our chat with Banks, he munched on smoked meats and sides, discussing BBQ, football, and family with the passion of a poet and the wisdom of a sage.

"I grew up loving BBQ," Banks said. "My dad grilled ribs, chicken, sirloin every weekend. It's in my blood."

But don't sleep on this giant's other passions. He's a fishing enthusiast, a deep-sea adventurer, and a candy bar aficionado (Hershey's with almonds or Kit Kat, in case you were wondering). And while football is his main squeeze, Banks isn't afraid to explore a future in food or food-related content. "The old me would've said no," he admitted. "But the new me? Hell yeah, I'd double-dip into the culinary world. I'm about breaking barriers and smashing expectations, my G."

So, to all the BBQ joints out there, especially the Black-owned, woman-owned, and POC-owned spots, you're next. Kelvin Banks Jr. is coming for you, and he's bringing his appetite, his followers, and a whole lot of love.

Peace, love, and BBQ, y'all.