New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks, who starred at the University of Maryland, has been named the DC Touchdown Club Pro Player of the Week after his first interception in three years clinched the Giants’ 36-24 victory over the visiting Arizona Cardinals this past Sunday.

Banks, who was selected by the Giants in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, stepped in front of the intended receiver, snagged Jacoby Brissett’s pass and returned it 98 yards for his first NFL touchdown with 11 seconds left to help the Giants improve to 3-1.

“I was praying, and I guess God came through,” Giants Coach John Harbaugh told reporters after the game. “And you know who else came through? Tae Banks! Tae Banks came through with a huge play after a crazy pass interference penalty. … But you know what? They didn’t bat an eye. Nobody flinched, nobody blinked, kept bringing the heat.”

Indeed, as the Cardinals trailed 30-24 and drove for a potential game-winning score, Banks had been called for a controversial pass interference penalty that moved the ball to the 4-yard line. After two incompletions, Banks broke up Brissett’s pass on third down, setting up the decisive play.

It was Banks’ first interception since his rookie season in 2023. The fourth-year pro has had a roller coaster of a career, making an impact as a rookie but then losing his starting position and then having the Giants decline the fifth-year option on his contract for 2027. He will be a free agent after this season.

Banks earned his starting job back with a strong preseason and now he’s hoping a solid showing will give his career another boost.