Texas Longhorns offensive lineman was among the 178 passengers onboard an American Airlines flight that caught fire after making an emergency landing at Denver International Airport on Thursday evening. Banks, who has since shared harrowing details of the ordeal, narrowly escaped the flames as passengers were forced to evacuate by climbing out onto the wing. Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported, but the experience left Banks shaken and deeply thankful for a second chance.
In his first public comments following the incident, Banks reflected on the frightening experience and how he never imagined being in such a dangerous situation. “It was honestly one of the scariest moments of my life,” he said. “I’ve faced some tough moments on the field, but nothing like this. You hear about things like this happening to others, but you never think it’ll happen to you. In the moment, I thought I was done.”
The flight, a Boeing 737, was traveling to Denver from another city when it encountered a mechanical issue that forced the emergency landing. Upon touchdown, smoke quickly filled the cabin, and flight attendants immediately took action to ensure the safety of all passengers. Banks praised the crew for their professionalism in keeping everyone as calm as possible.
“The flight attendants were incredible,” he recalled. “They stayed composed, and that helped everyone stay calm. But when we had to evacuate, that’s when it really hit. The smoke was thick, and the flames were getting closer. I just remember thinking, ‘Get out as fast as you can.’”
As the situation worsened, passengers, including Banks, were forced to evacuate quickly. The intense heat and smoke made the exit difficult, with many of them, including Banks, climbing out onto the wing of the plane to escape the growing fire. “It was chaos, but everyone was focused on getting to safety,” he said. “I didn’t have time to think about anything else. I just knew I had to get out.”
Thankfully, emergency response teams at the airport were able to contain the fire, and there were no serious injuries. A few passengers, including Banks, received medical attention for minor smoke inhalation, but all 178 passengers were safely evacuated. The plane was later secured by fire crews, and the flight was ultimately deemed a success due to the swift actions of the crew and passengers.
For Banks, the experience has provided a new perspective on life. “When something like this happens, it really makes you stop and think about what’s truly important,” he said. “Football is my passion, but life comes first. I’m just thankful to be alive and to have the chance to continue doing what I love.”
The Longhorns organization and Banks’ teammates have rallied around him following the incident, offering their full support as he processes the experience. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian expressed relief that Banks and the other passengers were unharmed. “Kelvin is an incredible player, but more importantly, he’s an amazing person. We’re so grateful he’s safe, and we’ll do everything we can to support him as he moves forward from this traumatic event.”
As Banks reflects on the frightening ordeal, it’s clear that the incident has profoundly impacted his outlook on both life and his career. While he remains committed to the Longhorns and the upcoming season, the experience has given him a renewed sense of perspective. This brush with death has taught him to cherish the small moments, both on and off the field.