The Cannon Family Letter

Photo Courtesy of: LSU Sports Information

12/15/2019
By: Terrill J. Weil
Da Boot Sports!


       Joe Burrow became only the second Heisman Trophy winner in LSU history last night, joining the great Billy Cannon who won the award in 1959.  It has been an eventful week for the record setting quarterback, as he has been presented with award after award.  Burrow said jokingly that he will need to expand the wall in his basement back at home in Ohio where he keeps all of his high school awards, when asked where will he store all of his new prestigious hardware.  
       On his trip to New York, Burrow read a letter that was delivered to him by Billy Cannon's family.  The great Billy Cannon, a two time All-American, helped lead LSU to the 1958 national championship, before winning the Heisman Trophy the following season. His legendary punt return against Ole Miss on Halloween night in 1959 remains the greatest play in LSU football history. Neither Burrow or Cannon ever had the opportunity to meet, as Cannon past away on May 20, 2018, only a couple of days after Joe Burrow's transfer to the bayou was announced. 
      This morning LSU released the contents of the letter in an amazing video, featuring the lovely daughter of the Tiger Legend, Bunnie Cannon....  
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                                  THE CANNON FAMILY LETTER


      Dear Joe,
              You are about to embark upon an incredible journey. It's a journey that my family has been on since 1959.  At this point in time, you will be considered the best college football player in the nation. For the rest of your life, you will be known as, Heisman Trophy Winner, Joe Burrow.  You are already a Louisiana hero, but you will now become a national hero.  There are so many similarities that I've seen in you, that I also saw in my father. Our family could not be prouder of you, and all that you have done and are still doing for LSU, Baton Rouge, and the entire State of Louisiana.  #20 & #9 will be linked forever in LSU football history.  Where ever life takes you, always remember, you can always come home.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The Cannon Family