Former USC football star ‘improving’ in recovery from gunshot wounds

USC football All-American Chip Banks is on the road to recovery after shooting.

A member of the USC football family is in the hospital this week after a deadly shooting in Georgia.

Former Trojan All-American Chip Banks was one of three men shot on Wednesday in the Atlanta area. He and one other were rushed to the hospital in “serious condition” while the third man died, according to TMZ.

On Sunday, Banks’ nephew posted an update on Twitter revealing good news for the star linebacker and his family: Banks is on the mend.

Chip Banks was a national title winner and All-American for USC football.

Details about the shooting which put Banks in the hospital are sparse, but TMZ described a group of men wearing masks who attacked the trio in what does not appear to be a random incident.

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Days after Banks was transported to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds, his nephew Brennan Banks quote tweeted a message of support from Colts owner Jim Irsay.

“My uncle is improving everyday,” Banks said on Sunday. “Spoke with him again this morning. He is getting stronger everyday but there will be a long road for his recovery from multi gunshot wounds.”

Banks also thanked “everyone for their prays & thoughts over the last for days,” singling out Browns’ fans in particular for their support.

Chip Banks was drafted by the Browns third overall in the 1982 NFL Draft. He spent six fruitful seasons with the team before being traded to the San Diego Chargers. He only played there a year though. A contract dispute saw him sit out the 1988 season. He was ultimately traded to Indianapolis where he finished out his career in 1992.

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Before his pro success, Banks starred at USC. He was thrown into action ahead of schedule as a freshman but proved up to the task. He contributed to the Trojans 1978 national title run without issue. In 1979, he led USC in tackles for loss. In 1980, he led USC in tackles. And in 1981, he produced a whopping 137 tackles en route to an All-American nod.