Vikings rookie DT bought a tarantula and 3 snakes with first NFL paycheck

The Minnesota Vikings selected Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the No. 18 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and the rookie’s early spending made headlines. ESPN reported that Banks used part of his rookie paycheck to buy exotic pets instead of more traditional purchases. According to ESPN, Banks arrived at training camp with an announcement that a tarantula and three additional snakes had joined his home. ESPN’s report described the collection as including two bald pythons, a chameleon, and a Cane Corso dog, among other animals. Banks has said his interest in animals began in high school and grew into a passion.