LSU Hall of Famer and 3-Time AFL Champion Billy Cannon Dies at 80

Featured ColumnistMay 20, 2018

Former LSU running back and Heisman trophy winner Billy Cannon waves to the crowd at the end of the first quarter of the LSU-Tulane NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. This is the 50th anniversary of Cannon's 89-yard run against Mississippi. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

Bill Haber/Associated Press

LSU Tigers great Billy Cannon died Sunday morning at 80 years old.

The school's football program shared the news, noting the former running back "passed away peacefully in his home":

LSU Football @LSUfootball
Billy Cannon passed away peacefully in his home early Sunday morning. He was 80 years old. The entire #LSU family mourns with the Cannons and his loved ones. He will never be forgotten. #20 https://t.co/pCcCbPTmEG

Cannon won the 1959 Heisman Trophy during his tenure at LSU and was a two-time All-American and two-time SEC Player of the Year.

The College Football Hall of Famer was an integral part of LSU’s 1958 national championship team, and the Shreveport Times reported in 2017 the school's Athletic Hall of Fame Committee unanimously approved a statue to be built in his honor.

Derrius Guice, who played running back at LSU and was selected by Washington in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft, reacted to the news:

5⃣ @DhaSickest
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✊🏾 https://t.co/LjY4Cy2Fw9

Cannon's success was not limited to the collegiate ranks.

He was the No. 1 overall pick of the 1960 NFL draft and played for the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and won three AFL titles during his career.

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LSU Hall of Famer and 3-Time AFL Champion Billy Cannon Dies at 80