JOURNAL SPORTS
A new documentary from Louisiana Public Broadcasting explores the remarkable rise, devastating fall, and ultimate redemption of one of Louisiana’s most iconic sports figures, Billy Cannon.
“Circles: The Life of Billy Cannon” premieres on Monday, September 14 at 7 p.m. on LPB’s statewide network, including KLTS Channel 24 serving Shreveport-Bossier.
Every generation of LSU fans knows the play that made Billy Cannon a household name. On Halloween night in 1959, one electrifying punt return against Ole Miss made him a college football legend. But that unforgettable play was only the beginning of an extraordinary life marked by remarkable success, devastating failure, and ultimately redemption.
Cannon seemed to have everything: a Heisman Trophy, a lucrative professional football career, and eventually, a successful orthodontic practice. Then, a federal counterfeiting conviction brought a stunning and very public fall from grace. But that would not be Cannon’s final chapter. Through candid interviews with family members, friends, teammates, and others who knew him best, the documentary explores the man behind the legend and the lasting impact of his remarkable journey.
“My father was a complicated man who made mistakes, paid a tremendous price for them, and then spent the rest of his life working to become a better person,” says Billy’s daughter, Bunnie Cannon. “His story is one of extraordinary achievement, very public failure, personal accountability, redemption, and the opportunity to rebuild a life with purpose.”
“Louisiana loves a comeback, and LPB loves to tell Louisiana stories. This film is a natural fit for us,” says LPB President and CEO Clarence “C.C” Copeland. “For generations, Louisianans have known Billy Cannon as a football legend. This documentary goes beyond the highlights to tell the complete story of a remarkable life, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the man behind one of Louisiana’s most enduring legends.”
LPB’s Linda Midgett and Jay Dardenne reunite for the project, following the success of their first LPB documentary together, Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else!
“Billy refused all film requests to tell his story during his lifetime, but his family believes the story should be told,” says Dardenne, who serves as both Executive Producer and Producer on the project. “It is a behind-the-scenes look at how and why it happened and the impact on his family and those he touched.”
“The Cannon family trusted LPB to tell the full story fairly and sensitively. They gave us total editorial control of the project, and all family members are participating. That says a lot and adds so much depth to the storytelling,” says Midgett, the project’s Director and Executive Producer.
“Billy’s story of football, fame, and redemption is about as Louisiana as it gets, and as Louisiana’s storyteller, LPB is uniquely positioned to share it.”
Beginning September 14, Circles: The Life of Billy Cannon will be available to stream free for two weeks on LPB Passport. After the two-week window, the film can be streamed on demand as an LPB Passport member benefit. Learn more at lpb.org/billycannon.