25 Heisman Trophy winners with the best NFL careers
By John Buhler
Billy Cannon
Halfback, LSU Tigers (1959)
Billy Cannon was one of the most iconic players in the history of LSU Tigers football. He won LSU’s only Heisman Trophy back in 1959 as a senior. Though he didn’t amass overly impressive stats offensively in that campaign (598 rushing yards and six touchdowns), his play at defensive back complemented with the Halloween Run over the rival Ole Miss Rebels sealed the deal for him.
Cannon’s professional career is one of the most important in how the game is shaped today. He signed two professional contracts in 1960, one with the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL and the Houston Oilers of the AFL. After litigation, Cannon would play for the Oilers for four seasons, helping legitimize the AFL in the process.
He would be a three-time AFL champion with the Oilers and Oakland Raiders, as well as a two-time AFL All-Star and two-time All-AFL. Cannon would play his final professional season in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs are the AFL/NFL merger. He would have 2,455 career rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. As a tight end, Cannon had 236 career catches for 3,656 yards and 47 touchdowns.
Though a no-doubt College Football Hall of Famer, Cannon’s Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy has been an intriguing one. Yes, he was an impactful player, especially at tight end. However, he had plenty of lean years while with the Raiders. Cannon was an excellent college player, but just a really good pro player.