Marcus Cannon

Marcus Cannon's Biography

Born on May 6, 1988, in Roswell, New Mexico, Marcus Darell Cannon, an American Professional football offensive tackle, is currently a free agent. His journey began with the brute athleticism and skill that led him to play for the TCU Horned Frogs in Texas Christian University during his college years. In those formidable years as a right tackle guarding the quarterback Andy Dalton, he showcased his exceptional talent by not letting a single sack occur in 2009 and helping restrict this number to nine in 2010, following a switch to left tackle in his senior year.

Despite being one of the leading offensive tackle prospects in the country around the time of the 2011 NFL draft, his journey took a challenging yet defining twist. During the NFL Combine, a physical exam showed Cannon had health irregularities, which further investigations revealed was non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He showed relentless spirit by undergoing treatment for the deadly disease during the summer of 2011.

Overcoming these challenges, the New England Patriots, nevertheless, selected Cannon in the fifth round with the 138th pick — a transference from the Houston Texans. With a weight of 358 pounds at the NFL Combine, he became the heaviest player ever drafted by the Patriots. The Patriots initially listed him as an offensive guard, but his overwhelming performance during his TCU tenure as an offensive tackle couldn’t be ignored.

Continuing his NFL career, Cannon initiated his 2011 season on the Non-Football Injury list as he recuperated from chemotherapy. The recuperation period didn’t halt his speed. After the Week 10 game against the New York Jets, he was activated to the Patriots’ 53-man roster. He played his first snaps in the NFL as a right tackle against the Kansas City Chiefs in the following week. His courage and resilience led him to be awarded the Ed Block Courage Award.

Transcending former setbacks, Cannon participated in all the regular and postseason games during the 2012 NFL season for the Patriots, including as a starter replacing Sebastian Vollmer as right tackle. The following years saw him in varied roles like starting left guard and then back to his earlier position as a swing tackle. Regardless of the roles and injuries, what remained constant was his potential which landed him a two-year extension contract around late 2014 and his contribution to the Patriots’ victory at the Super Bowl XLIX.

The subsequent football seasons saw Cannon embracing challenging seasons, from toe injuries to shoulder injuries. Nevertheless, he entered the 2016 training camp revitalized and in great shape, eventually bagging a five-year $32.5 million contract extension with the Patriots through 2021. His efforts did not go unrewarded, as he was named second-team All-Pro by Pro Football Focus and The Associated Press, and helped the Patriots win Super Bowl LI.

In the subsequent years, despite a series of injuries, Cannon maintained his position as the starting right tackle. His contribution aided Patriots in reaching the Super Bowl LIII and defeating the Los Angeles Rams in 2018. He struggled with a shoulder injury during the Patriots week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019, but unveiled his decision in 2020 to opt out of the season due to concerns related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, Marcus’s alliance shifted from the Patriots to the Houston Texans. However, he was placed on injured reserve due to injury. The Texans released him in March 2022, after which he was signed to the Patriots practice squad, reinstating his alliance with the team. He started two games at right tackle before being placed on injured reserve.

Off the field, Cannon is known for his determination and tenacity, overcoming a cancer diagnosis early in his career. He graduated with a degree in Communications and holds recognition in Shot Put, testifying to his versatile talent pool. Together with his wife, Alyssa, whom he married in 2012, they parent four children. With his life entwined with football, courage, determination and transcending odds, Cannon marches forward, each stride echoing his indomitable spirit. His past, present, and future testify to the fact that there is no hurdle that can deter Marcus Darell Cannon.