Billy Cannon

Billy Cannon at LSU

Billy Cannon 1961

Billy Cannon (August 2, 1937 – May 20, 2018) was an American football player who played at the halfback and tight end positions. He is best known for winning the Heisman Trophy in 1959 while playing for the LSU Tigers and for his professional career in the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL).

Early Life and College Career[edit | edit source]

Billy Cannon was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, and grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Istrouma High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, track, and basketball. Cannon's performance in high school earned him a scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU).

At LSU, Cannon became a standout player for the LSU Tigers football team. He is best remembered for his performance in the 1959 season, particularly for his 89-yard punt return against Ole Miss on Halloween night, which is considered one of the greatest plays in college football history. That same year, he won the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player in college football.

Professional Career[edit | edit source]

After graduating from LSU, Cannon was drafted by both the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL and the Houston Oilers of the AFL. He chose to sign with the Oilers, where he played from 1960 to 1963. Cannon helped the Oilers win the first two AFL Championships in 1960 and 1961.

In 1964, Cannon was traded to the Oakland Raiders, where he transitioned from halfback to tight end. He played for the Raiders until 1969, earning AFL All-Star honors in 1969. Cannon finished his professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1970.

Post-Football Career[edit | edit source]

After retiring from professional football, Cannon pursued a career in dentistry. He earned his degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and practiced as an orthodontist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Billy Cannon is remembered as one of the greatest players in college football history. His number 20 jersey was retired by LSU, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008. Cannon's contributions to the game have left a lasting impact on both college and professional football.