A.J. Cann

A.J. Cann's Biography

American professional football guard, Aaron Cann’s journey through life has been shaped by football. Born in South Carolina on October 23, 1991, Aaron has found his calling within the high-adrenaline, competitive sport of football. He is currently a free agent, seeking new opportunities, leveraging his extensive experience playing for renowned teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans.

Aaron’s tryst with football began at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School in Bamberg, South Carolina, where he not only played football but also competed in track events. The young athlete committed to his passion for football, deciding to play college football at the University of South Carolina. This consequential decision was made in June 2009.

Tragedy struck Aaron’s life in his teens when he lost his mother to throat cancer on October 7, 2007. Despite this personal loss, Aaron remained committed to football, channelizing his energy and focus towards the sport.

When Aaron enrolled in college in 2010, he redshirted his freshman year. From 2011 onwards, he quickly cemented his place as an indispensable player, starting off as a left guard. His experience and leadership abilities earned him the title of a permanent team captain in 2013. By the time he entered his senior season, he had already started 38 out of 39 games.

As Aaron continued to evolve as a football player, his final year in college was a testament to his resilience and persistent efforts. In 2014, his senior year, Aaron became an All-American, starting all 13 games.

Over the course of his college career, Aaron’s performance was remarkable. He became a four-year starter for his team, starting in 51 games. This impressive record made him the second-most player to start games in school history – only bested by T. J. Johnson, who had started 53 games.

Aaron’s talent and relentless dedication did not go unnoticed. In 2015, he was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the NFL Draft as the 67th overall pick. During his rookie season in 2015, Aaron proved his worth, starting 13 games at right guard while playing a total of 14 games.

The following year, Aaron saw a significant enhancement in his role. He evolved from a rookie to a full-time player for the Jaguars’ offensive line, starting all 16 games at the right guard position. This trend of consistent performance continued through 2017 and 2018, with Aaron maintaining his starting job at right guard despite a triceps injury causing him to miss one game each season.

Acknowledging his excellent performance, the Jaguars signed a three-year, $15 million contract extension with Aaron on March 13, 2019. Unfortunately, in 2021, his football journey took a turn when he was placed on injured reserve on October 4.

In 2022, Aaron signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract with the Houston Texans, where he earned the position of starting right guard and participated in 16 games. However, his stint with the Texans ended with his release on March 16, 2023.

Despite the ups and downs, Aaron’s journey through professional football characterizes resilience, devotion, and the power of determination. Today, he stands holding an impressive record as a football guard, admired by many and feared by competitors. As a free agent, he is looking forward to new opportunities and delivering the same fervor and dedication that have become his trademark.