Billy Cannon: A Long, Long Run

by Charles N. deGravelles

Billy Cannon’s name, his image, and his remarkable athletic career serve as emblems for Louisiana State University, the Southeastern Conference, and college football. LSU’s only Heisman Trophy winner, Cannon led the Tigers to a national championship in 1958, igniting a love of the game in Louisiana and establishing a tradition of greatness at LSU.

But like many stories of lionized athletes who rise to the status of legend, there was a fall—and in the case of Billy Cannon, also redemption. For the first time, Charles N. deGravelles reveals in full the thrilling highs and unexpected lows of Cannon’s life, in Billy Cannon: A Long, Long Run.

Through conversations with Cannon, deGravelles follows the athlete-turned-reformer from his boyhood in a working-class Baton Rouge neighborhood to his sudden rush of fame as the leading high school running back in the country. Personal and previously unpublished stories about Cannon’s glory days at LSU and his stellar but controversial career in the pros, as well as details of his indictment for counterfeiting and his post-release work as staff dentist at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, unfold in a riveting biography characterized by uncanny success, deep internal struggles, and a champion’s spirit that pushed through it all.

Genres: Sports, Football, Biography

280 pages, Hardcover

First published September 7, 2015

Reviews

[Phillip W. Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALl LOUISIANA

A real Louisiana hero. The author didn't try to sugar-coat anything, good or bad. What a story, what an athlete and man.

[RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: From Poverty to Sainthood… To Prison And Back… The Whole Story… Finally Told!
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When I was a child the first college football hero I remember having was LSU Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon. Back in those days there was no ESPN… no 50 plus games a week on TV… and being at that age I lived in New York and California… it’s hard to recollect… how Billy became my first collegiate hero. I know I read every sports section and every national magazine… and watched all the bowl games and news programs. This long overdue “authorized” biography was completed in yeomen like fashion by the author. And when you complete the entire detailed story… you know not only who Billy Cannon is… but what he was… what he became… on and off the field… the highlights… that were extremely high… and the lowlights… that couldn’t get much lower… and through it all… Billy learned who he truly was… when it counted the most.

And when I say counted most… that covers the gamut from a historical eighty-nine yard punt return that touched every single resident in the State of Louisiana… and a young boy in California… to admitting his guilt to a felony… that not only put him in jail… but showed him who his true friends really were!

Among many accolades I would like to bestow upon the author… surprisingly interesting and educational.. is the crystal clear picture he paints of life in America during and after World War II… especially in the south. The poverty… and back breaking hazardous work… done proudly by Americans of that time… not only makes you take pride in the backbone and spirit of America… but also makes you appreciate the type of work a high percentage of Americans engage in today. The pinpoint detail going all the way back to Cannon’s high school days over half-a-century ago… is like being involved in “Friday-Night-Lights”… before there was a “Friday-Night-Lights”. Memories will be rekindled for gentlemen of a certain age… and for the younger folks… they will probably be shocked… to be made aware of how recently organized sports didn’t believe in weight training… athletes were told it would hinder your athleticism… and restrict your mobility. Billy… who was before my high school years… was one of the first groups to test out integrating weight training with sports such as football, basketball, track and baseball. With Billy running 9.5 second 100 yard dashes…. Winning shot putting titles… running 220 yard dashes… and anchoring relays… along with scoring touchdowns and baskets… he was one of many… who showed that old training prejudices should become a thing of the past.

In addition to his high school and Heisman winning college career there is some great reporting on his pro career which included AFL championships in Houston… and very happily for me… some great detail on his career with the Oakland Raiders. This includes a no holds barred description of his interaction with the legendary Al Davis… whom Billy had nothing but the greatest respect for. The dedication Cannon showed in getting his dental license is admirable. The growth of his practice… his growth… and demise of his real estate investing… and ultimately… his felony arrest and conviction for his part in a counterfeiting operation… are laid out by Billy and the author… for the entire world to see. Billy completely “MAN’S-UP” regarding his guilt… and more importantly… demands… certain points are laid bare… or this biography… that never had… and never would have… been made… except for the following pledge being honored:

***”When Cannon agreed to a book—with one stipulation. The biography had to include the innovative improvements Warden Cain had instituted at the Angola Prison—changes that Billy Cannon had personally witnessed and of which he was a part.”***

This is a great… and long overdue book… on a man… who was once on a pedestal… that he earnestly… and honestly earned. He subsequently fell from the pedestal… by his own accord. He admitted his wrong doing… served his time… and in my mind and soul… has made himself one with society. This would be a great… great… movie… but Billy would never allow it (by participating). I can only say welcome back Billy… you gave me many moments of excitement… and I too have made my mistakes… as I’m sure that anyone who has honestly looked at themselves… with unbiased eyes… in their life’s mirror… would admit the same.

[Louis Barbier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a must read! If you are from the South than you got to read it. If you want to learn about lives lessons, I say, "Read this book today." Here is a man who from humble beginnings reach where eagles fly and tigers roar. Billy Cannon accomplished so much in his life that I am amazed! Yes, he is amazing and was amazing. He never took NO for an answer. Along the way he got rejected or knocked down, but he didn't lie there and accept it; no, he got back up and tried again and again until he succeeded. Much of the accomplishments were not for himself alone but the people who he worked for or the people he could help on a day to day. He was very generous with his God given talents. He pushed himself to do more to help the community, or as it is called in Louisiana the parish. In sports he is a legend. The State of Louisiana became know because of the accomplishments of Billy Cannon on the Football field. Do you remember Billy Cannon's punt return against Ole Miss on a Halloween night in Tiger Stadium? I was not there for I was in the US Navy with my Uncle Sam. We were in port and I listen to the 89-yard return as he broke tackle after tackle on his way to the end zone. Ole Miss led LSU all through the first half of play. It was a real bruising confrontation; I mean it was a defensive melee. A lot of people felt that LSU's undefeated season would end with a loss to Ole Miss, but it didn't because of Billy Cannon. After the score that put LSU ahead and late in the fourth quarter with seconds to play and Ole Miss on the one-yard line tried a run up the middle from their fullback, but they failed, and the whistle blew, and the game was over. Here we were listening to it and I heard the tremendous hit come over the air waves that stood the runner up and stopped in his track. What a hit and Billy Cannon had made by stopping the Ole Miss player; Ole Miss does not win. What a goal-line stand! Billy Cannon would make other great plays in football and in life. Until he was a practicing dentist with a successful practice, raising horses with a goal to have one of his horses run and win in the Kentucky Derby and also involved in real estate with much success. He was flying high and it seemed everything was coming up roses. Until the US economy took a nose dive and interest rates topped off at a high 21%. Of course; that meant notes, and obligations coming due faster than he could come up with the cash to pay. He was living a very stressful life under much duress. Now here is where I leave it. You can pick up the book and read an exciting story from rag to riches from a great man with a generous heart who would give the shirt off his back if you needed it. By reading this book you will better understand the life and times of Billy Cannon. I had the good fortunate of meeting him once while attending LSU after my first hitch in the US Navy. It was at a barber shop off campus on a Saturday morning and I was next for a haircut and Billy walked in. The Barber dusted off the chair and said, "You are next Billy." Billy turned to me and said, "No, this young man is next." Wow, what an experience! May Billy Cannon rest in peace for he is gone now but not forgotten.

[Peter Bridgford · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Aunt gave me this book a couple of Christmases ago, and I finally just read it. I must say that it was interesting due to the fact that I had never heard of Billy Cannon before. If you are a football fan and want to read about one of its talented and flawed players from a bygone era, this would be a great book for you. From humble beginnings, Billy Cannon developed into a gifted athlete and helped LSU gain national prominence and the AFL build a league that, in essence, forced the NFL to merge with it. But the football players of yesterday had to have second jobs and have their eyes on what they were going to do after their career ended - no mega-million contracts back then. The story about Billy Cannon's life after football is all about taking too many risks and paying the price. In the end, however, the story is about reconciliation and forgiveness. Good read!

[Chuck Barber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting reading, especially the parts involving the legendary Boots Garland. The book fills in the gaps on another legend, his spectacular fall, and redemption.

That said, the book is not especially well written. Some of the history is handled sloppily (for example, the reference to Standard Oil managers living in neighborhoods with names like "the Garden District," a name that was not used until years later) and in many parts, the book comes across as a rather naive and whitewashed account.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author does a very good job of helping the reader Billy Cannon the legend and the man.

[Henry Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book, especially if you are a fan of the late Billy Cannon but he spent too much time on the early life and not enough on the rest

[BStooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The roller coaster life ride of Billy Cannon.

[Kemper · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written biography of a great athlete who falters and then regains his status in the community.

[JOHN MARCHESE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Left me with great respect for Mr. Cannon. He made mistake, he got busted, served his time and came out a better man. He gave back to those less fortunate by helping them out with their dental problems at no charge. He changed things while in Angola . Read this book. It is a great story about success and fame, then embarrassment and shame, serving his punishment and coming out and pulling himself back up again eventually gaining back the respect and trust of most everyone. A few refused to forgive him but the majority did. I respect this man and if I ever had the pleasure of meeting him I would shake his hand and tell him Mr Cannon you are a great individual. God bless you

Very enjoyable. Left me with a great respect for Mr Cannon. He was a great athlete but later in his life he made a mistake. He admitted this, served his time in Angola and while there used his dental skills to help others. He came out of Angola humbled and remorseful for what he had done and ashamed that he had let many who looked up to him down. I have great respect for Mr. Cannon and if I ever had the honor of meeting him would tell him that. God bless you Mr. Cannon. Thanks for sharing your life's high points and low points with us.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written by deGravelles. This is a book that will impress you with many 'life lessons'. All the interviews with Billy and others who knew him put together an impressive read. I couldn't put it down! Perhaps I am just a bit prejudiced as I went to high school with Billy and his wife Dot and was fond of them both. He was a great kid in school - fun to be around, made excellent grades and his reputation on the football field is legendary. When I heard that he was arrested for the counterfeit scheme I,like so many others who knew him, could not understand why he allowed himself to be drawn into it. After reading his story it all became clear. I always defended him to others who put him down over the years and now I am just as proud of him for the work he has done at Angola as I am about his whole football career. He has more than "paid" for that transgression and it is actually only a small part of who he really is and what he is all about. Live long and strong, Billy knowing that you have given so much of yourself to others. P.Fairweather (Wilkinson)

[Carole Landry · Rating 3 out of 5]

curiosity made me pick up the book and I'm glad I did. It seems an honest portrayal of his story.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my, so many places and people I knew in the 50's and later too. Good recording of what he did right and wrong. Glad that he came out of his troubles in good shape.

[Andy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book