LSU players, fans, media members mourn death of legendary Billy Cannon
The college football community is in mourning Sunday with the news of the passing of LSU legend Billy Cannon. His decorated career at LSU included being named a two-time unanimous All-American as well as winning the Heisman Trophy in 1959. To this day, Cannnon is the only LSU player to win the prestigious award. Cannon helped the Tigers to the 1958 national championship and remained actively involved in the LSU community until his unfortunate passing at the age of 80.
Cannon’s passing impacts the college football community, but especially the LSU community. On Sunday, many former LSU players as well as fans and media members were tweeting about Cannon. Former LSU running back Derrius Guice shared photos showing that Cannon still enjoyed spending time with the recent Tigers teams.
Here’s a sampling of some of the tweets about Cannon:
God gained a humble angel. Many accolades that he accomplished during his time at LSU was amazing, but the character that Mr.Cannon showed was unbelievable. Prayers to the entire LSU & Cannon FAMILY #20 pic.twitter.com/l3JzJmD0p4
— DEVIN WHITE 4️⃣0️⃣ (@DevinWhite__40) May 20, 2018
An absolute legend. Billy Cannon was one of the greatest to ever put on a Tigers uniform. I always enjoyed my conversations with him and appreciated him taking the time to talk football with me. I’m beyond grateful to have met him. Rest In Peace #20. https://t.co/vBzElRy6fJ
— Jacob Hester (@JacobHester22) May 20, 2018
Damn RIP Mr. Billy Cannon. It was for sure an honor to soak up everything we’ve talked about over the years! You’re one of the greatest in LSU history! Rest of GOAT✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/LjY4Cy2Fw9
— 5⃣ (@DhaSickest) May 20, 2018
#JustIn: Statement from @LouisianaGov on the death of #BillyCannon @wdsu pic.twitter.com/24wQ9J2Gts
— Christina Watkins (@CWatkinsWDSU) May 20, 2018
The legend Billy Cannon was always kind + gracious to me. He gladly donated his time to our charity events and was always a huge hit. #LSU‘s only Heisman Trophy winner to this day. “The Halloween Run” will live on forever, as will Cannon’s memory. Rest In Peace, legend. #20 pic.twitter.com/UYEJgwieg3
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) May 20, 2018
Billy Cannon’s former #LSU teammate + lifelong friend Scooter Purvis says Cannon “had a heart of gold” + would do free orthodontic work for his former teammates and friends. “Would always give credit to his team and teammates” as a player.
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) May 20, 2018
On left is Billy Cannon a month ago at #LSU practice.
On right is him 61 years ago in LSU’s win over Texas Tech (he took the opening kickoff 97 yds for a TD).
Cannon was smart, witty and kind. He would always call you back for an interview.
RIP, Billy. pic.twitter.com/3wsS5uvoCU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 20, 2018
Very sorry to hear that @LSU legend and Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon passed away. #20 https://t.co/Qd8R4dEW3S
— Rep. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) May 20, 2018
Better not have any Ole Miss folks at the pearly gates because Billy Cannon’s about to come truckin’ through. #RIP
— Billy Gomila (@ATVS_ChefBilly) May 20, 2018
In recent years I got to spend time with Mr. Billy Cannon in a variety of capacities. He was always one of the nicest people to everybody he interacted with. I am not old enough to remember him as a player, but I will never forget him as a gentleman.
— Derek Ponamsky (@DerekPonamsky) May 20, 2018
It was impossible to grow up where I did and not feel his presence. Upon moving to BR 20 yrs after his Halloween jaunt I immediately sought him out. A successful orthodontist so gracious. His fall from grace & life reboot commendable.🙏🙏for Bunny & Family https://t.co/SJkOCvYFgt
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) May 20, 2018
Growing up Billy Cannon was the guy I heard my dad, uncles & relatives talk about so much
He was a bigger than life football player for folks in Louisiana and SEC.
Halloween Night Run.
Meeting him as an adult he was a real character, funny and such a nice man.
Rest In Peace Billy pic.twitter.com/EccZyN3xtW— Michael Detillier (@MikeDetillier) May 20, 2018
RIP to the legend, Billy Cannon. pic.twitter.com/D5yug3rHh1
— Peyton Landry (@LandryPeyton8) May 20, 2018
Rest In Peace, Billy Cannon. He was the first ever player drafted by the Houston Oilers. He was the ‘59 Hesiman Trophy winner. 2 x AFL All-Star, 3 X AFL Champion, and ‘61 AFL Rushing Champ. He’s one the best players in @LSUfootball history. pic.twitter.com/pDvEtZykBf
— Ignacio (@igTXSalazar) May 20, 2018
I grew up watching Billy Cannon’s LSU highlights on YouTube om repeat. He was my first favorite player from LSU even though I never got to see him play. The most prolific player in LSU history has passed away and my younger memories make me more than sad. RIP to a legend.
— CCrews24 (@CCrews24) May 20, 2018
RIP Billy Cannon🙏🏼
— cmilli ❄ (@litvick12) May 20, 2018
