Brian Banks has said that he is "so excited" ahead of the Atlanta Falcons' first game of the pre-season.

The 28-year-old is taking part in an NFL training camp for the first time, having spent more than five years in prison after being wrongly convicted of rape.

The linebacker told the Falcons' website: "I'm just taking it all in as it comes. It's been a good opportunity, good experiences. The team has been really accepting and the coaches have been really patient with me learning the plays. The organisation itself, altogether it's just been good.

"I just can't wait. I'm so excited. I'm just thankful for the opportunity. It's been a long time coming, from where I've been to where I am now. I'm just looking forward to Thursday and I'm just going to give it all I have.

"The game is a physical game but it's just as much as a mental game as it is physical. Training your body, training your mind, being in the playbook, being in the film room, but also being in the weight room and on the field and learning. Collectively, one side is not greater than the other."

Banks's conviction was overturned last year after his accuser admitted that she fabricated her story.

The Falcons face the Cincinnati Bengals this evening.