BREAKING: Kelvin Banks Jr. Selected 9th Overall by Saints—Unexpected Baby Spit-Up Moment Steals the Show

In what was expected to be a proud, straightforward moment for Kelvin Banks Jr., one of the nation’s top offensive tackle prospects, chaos and comedy struck live on national television. The New Orleans Saints, aiming to fortify their offensive line for the future, selected Banks with the 9th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But as the cameras panned to the Banks household, the spotlight shifted from the 6’5”, 325-pound lineman to an unassuming baby—and a perfectly timed spit-up—creating an instant viral moment.

Banks, a dominant force at Texas and widely regarded as the best offensive lineman in the draft, had been projected as a top-10 pick for months. Known for his raw strength, footwork, and high football IQ, Banks helped anchor the Longhorns’ offensive front and played a pivotal role in the team’s rise to national prominence over the last two seasons. His consistent performance, combined with elite athleticism, made him a dream pick for NFL scouts.

As the Saints went on the clock with the 9th pick, speculation swirled. Would they opt for a quarterback, a wideout, or finally invest in the offensive line? When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stepped up to the podium and announced, “With the 9th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select Kelvin Banks Jr., offensive tackle, Texas,” cheers erupted—first in the Caesars Superdome, then inside the Banks family home.

The broadcast quickly cut to a jubilant living room scene where Banks was surrounded by friends and family. He stood up, hugged relatives, and wiped tears from his eyes. Just as the ESPN announcers began praising his technique and potential impact in the NFL, something completely unplanned occurred.

A younger family member—believed to be his niece or nephew—was being held just off to the side of the main camera frame. As the camera zoomed in on Kelvin for a closer shot, the baby let out a burp and then promptly spit up—directly onto Banks’ draft-night suit.

The room erupted into laughter, with Banks himself pausing, looking down, and breaking into a wide, sheepish grin. He dabbed at the mess with a towel someone handed him, joking, “Guess that’s a sign of good luck.”

Twitter and Instagram lit up within seconds. Clips of the moment, tagged with phrases like “#DraftBaby” and “#SpitUpPick,” spread like wildfire. Memes popped up before the segment was even over, with fans joking that the baby had stolen the show and should’ve been drafted, too.

Beyond the unforgettable baby moment, Saints fans have every reason to be ecstatic. Kelvin Banks Jr. brings not only talent but leadership and humility to a team in desperate need of both. With aging veterans and inconsistent pass protection plaguing the Saints in recent seasons, Banks’ arrival could anchor the offensive line for the next decade.

New Orleans head coach Mike Macdonald praised the pick during a post-draft press conference. “We’ve been watching Kelvin closely. He’s technically sound, mature beyond his years, and he’s got a motor that never stops. He’s going to be a cornerstone piece for us moving forward.”

Banks, still wiping his suit during his virtual media availability, was asked about both the pick and the now-infamous spit-up moment. “Honestly, this whole night is a blessing. I’ve dreamed of this since I was a kid. The spit-up? Man, that just makes it unforgettable,” he laughed. “I’m just happy to be a Saint.”

New Orleans fans were quick to welcome Banks to the Big Easy, flooding his social media pages with congratulatory messages and jokes about his “initiation.” One fan tweeted, “If you can handle a baby’s spit-up on national TV with a smile, you can definitely handle the NFC South.”

Others pointed out the moment was symbolic—a raw, unscripted snapshot of real life amidst the glitz and production of the draft spectacle. ESPN anchor Rece Davis even remarked, “You don’t script moments like that. That was real. That was family. And honestly, it made the night.”

While most first-round picks are remembered for their handshake with the commissioner or their college highlight reels, Kelvin Banks Jr.’s draft moment will forever be associated with love, laughter, and a little baby chaos. Yet, behind the viral moment is a young man prepared to become a major force in the NFL.

The Saints didn’t just draft a top-tier tackle—they got a man who can take surprises in stride, protect his quarterback, and apparently handle anything life throws at him—even when it comes in the form of spit-up.