Three from Albuquerque-area schools play in NFL preseason

Lucas Peerman
Lucas Peerman Sports Editor
Published Modified
Steelers Buccaneers Football
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Jordan Byrd, a Manzano alum, runs after the catch during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday in Tampa, Fla.

Three former Albuquerque-area high school football players suited up for NFL teams on Friday.

San Diego State teammates Jordan Byrd and Keshawn Banks — both rookies trying to earn a roster spot — suited up for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers, respectively.

Manzano High alumnus Byrd, a running back for the Aztecs, caught a pass, rushed the ball and returned five kicks in Pittsburgh's 27-17 win over Tampa Bay.

He returned three kickoffs for 15, 17 and 22 yards. Byrd also caught two punts and returned the first for eight yards, but it was called back due to a penalty, then returned the second for no gain.

On offense, Byrd caught one pass for six yards and lost four yards in his only rushing attempt.

Byrd's teammate on the Steelers, Zach Gentry, played for Eldorado in high school. Gentry, the No. 2 tight end on the Steelers' depth chart, was targeted once in the game but didn't record a catch.

Packers Camp Football
The Green Bay Packers’ Keshawn Banks, from Rio Rancho, rides a bike to training camp on July 27 in Green Bay, Wis.

Meanwhile, in Green Bay's 36-19 victory over Cincinnati, linebacker Banks, from Rio Rancho, made his presence known.

Banks recorded two tackles, including a rush from the edge to drop the Bengals running back behind the line of scrimmage.

albuquerque nfl preseason new mexico national football league keyshawn banks jordan byrd sports zach gentry
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