ANGOLA (AP) — Billy Cannon's family said the former LSU Heisman Trophy winner was hospitalized Tuesday after suffering a stroke.
In an emailed statement, the family said Cannon, 75, "is alert and resting."
"He did have a stroke and the doctors will conduct tests to see the extent. They will keep him in ICU tonight and watch him
overnight," the statement said. "The family thanks everyone for their prayers and concerns."
Cannon was transported by ambulance from the
state penitentiary at Angola at about 12:30 p.m., said Cathy Fontenot, a
spokeswoman
for the prison.
Cannon has been director of the prison's dental program for about 15 years.
He won the 1959 Heisman Trophy after starring at LSU. He went on to a successful pro career in the American Football League
with the Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders, and after football went to dental school.
In 1983, Cannon was arrested on federal
counterfeiting charges. He ultimately pleaded guilty, served half of a
five-year sentence
and came out broke. Though tarnished for a time, Cannon's
reputation has been rebuilt through his work at the penitentiary,
where he tries to serve as a positive example for inmates, and
through his routine participation in LSU events.