[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. BILLY CANNON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2018

  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a 
Louisiana legend, Dr. Billy Cannon.
  Billy Cannon is an icon. He led LSU to a national championship, won 
the Heisman trophy and became the first professional football player to 
earn $100,000. His career is summed up by his famous Halloween night 
punt return against Ole Miss that is replayed countless times in the 
hearts and minds of LSU fans, and every year on TV the week of the LSU-
Ole Miss game.
  To me, however, his exploits on the football field as a young man, 
impressive though they are, are the least impressive parts of Dr. 
Cannon's life.
  Like many, life after the glory fades was not easy for Dr. Cannon. He 
made a major mistake, wound up involved in the criminal justice system, 
and served his time. After paying his debt and returning to society, he 
still found it difficult to make a living, something that happens far 
too often across the country.
  Eventually he became the dentist at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, 
Angola, where he turned the dental office around and truly cared for 
the needs of the prisoners. He remained as dentist at Angola for more 
than two decades, treating teeth with care and men with empathy. In 
appreciation for his service, the men at Angola hand forged the casket 
where he now rests.
  He once said that the people of Louisiana are quick to love and quick 
to forgive. We should not be quick to forget the care and dedication he 
showed to those society prefers to ignore. We should remember all his 
life as vividly as we remember The Return.
  Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the whole life of Dr. Billy Cannon, a great 
All-American.

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