NFL Rookie Caleb Banks Brings 5 Exotic Pets to Minnesota

When most NFL rookies pack for their new city, they're thinking jerseys and playbooks. Caleb Banks is packing snake terrariums and a giant dog crate.

The Minnesota Vikings' 18th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft revealed his unconventional household during his first press conference on Friday. Banks shared that he's bringing along five exotic pets to his new Minnesota home.

The collection includes two pythons, a chameleon, a cane corso mastiff (one of the largest dog breeds in the world), and a tarantula. For Banks, these aren't just unusual pets but beloved companions making the big move with him.

The 22-year-old's passion for exotic animals shows a different side of professional athletes. While some rookies spend their first paychecks on cars or jewelry, Banks has invested his heart in caring for creatures that require specialized knowledge and dedication.

His chameleon will need to adjust to Minnesota's famous cold winters, though it'll be staying cozy indoors. The cane corso, which can weigh up to 110 pounds, will have plenty of room to roam in his new digs.

Sunny's Take

Banks' love for his unusual pets reminds us that the people we see on TV every Sunday are wonderfully human off the field. His commitment to bringing all five animals with him (instead of rehoming them for convenience) shows real character and responsibility.

The young player's devotion to his scaled, eight-legged, and four-legged friends also highlights a growing trend of people finding joy and purpose in caring for non-traditional pets. Each animal requires specific care, attention, and expertise.

As Banks settles into his NFL career, his exotic family will be right there with him. That's the kind of loyalty that translates beautifully from home to the field.