Billy Cannon: From Heisman Trophy To Posthumous Pardon

Big news for LSU Tiger fans. A legend in the football program who hit hard times later in life is pardoned by President Donald Trump. The president has posthumously pardoned legendary running back Billy Cannon for his involvement in a counterfeiting scheme.

Why Cannon Turned to Crime

Cannon became a dentist after retiring from football. In 1983, after a series of bad real estate investments, he became involved in a counterfeiting scheme and served two and a half years in prison.

After he was released from prison in 1986, Cannon was able to regain his dentistry license but he struggled to rebuild a dental practice. He ultimately took a job as a dentist at the Angola State Penitentiary. He held that job for more than 20 years.

Cannon's college football career

Cannon decided to play ball at LSU because he was able to land a job at a local car dealership between semesters. He shared the backfield with All American Jim Taylor in his early years as a Tiger.

In 1958, Cannon became a household name across the nation. He won the Heisman Trophy and the Tigers went on to win the National Championship. The season was highlighted by between LSU and the rival Ole Miss Rebels, who were also undefeated.

This game included the famous Halloween run by Cannon to win the game.

That run made Cannon a hero in Baton Rouge and across the state. It brought LSU its first ever national title.

Cannon died in his sleep on May 20, 2018, at his home in St. Francisville. He was 80-years-old.

The 37 Wins LSU Football Had To Vacate

Due to a player that was ruled ineligible years after the games were played, the LSU Football program had to vacate 37 wins. Here are the games that they have now retroactively dropped wins from.