Billy Cannon

Billy Abb Cannon Sr. (August 2, 1937 – May 20, 2018) was an American football halfback and tight end who played in the American Football League and the National Football League. He attended Louisiana State University, where he played as a halfback, return specialist, and safety for the LSU Tigers. At LSU, Cannon was twice named a unanimous All-American and helped the 1958 team win a national championship. In 1959 he received the Heisman Trophy as the nation's most outstanding college player. His punt return against Ole Miss on Halloween night in 1959 is regarded by fans and sportswriters as one of the most famous plays in LSU sports history.

Cannon was selected first overall in the 1960 NFL draft and as a first-round territorial pick in the 1960 AFL draft, resulting in a contract dispute that ended in court. He played in the AFL for the Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders before ending his career with the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL. He began his professional career as a halfback for the Oilers. A twice AFL All-Star, Cannon led the league in rushing and all-purpose yards during the 1961 season.