SEC Football history: 50 best players of all time

17. Best SEC football players of all time: Billy Cannon, LSU football

A product of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Billy Cannon made the right decision when he took his mother’s advice and attended LSU. Becoming an absolute legend during his time with the Tigers, Cannon had one of the more dominant careers in the history of SEC Football, becoming a key player for LSU on both sides of the ball.

Finally getting to play in 1957, after having to play freshman ball in 1956, Cannon quickly showed that he was going to be a special player for this program. Playing halfback, defensive back, and serving as the team’s punter, Cannon was someone that opposing teams needed to find before each play, no matter who had the ball.

In 1958, Cannon would be named an All-American for the first time, an honor he would repeat as a senior in 1959. That season, Cannon helped the Tigers to a national title, though they were not able to repeat the feat the following season despite a ton of talent coming back.

He finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting that season and was named All-SEC as well as the conference’s Player of the Year, setting the stage for what would be a magical final season with the Tigers. As a senior, Cannon did take home the coveted Heisman Trophy, and will forever be remembered by his punt return against Ole Miss on Halloween. A two-time All-American and All-SEC player, he had his No. 20 retired by the school and is still considered one of the greatest players in both LSU and SEC history.