Cannon in hospital following stroke

ANGOLA — LSU football legend Billy Cannon was in intensive care Tuesday afternoon after suffering a stroke earlier in the day.

Louisiana State Penitentiary Warden Burl Cain said a prison ambulance transported the former LSU football star to a Baton Rouge hospital about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Cannon, 75, the 1959 Heisman Trophy winner, is a dentist and has been director of the prison’s dental program for about 15 years.

An LSU athletic department news release Tuesday confirmed that Cannon had a stroke.

“LSU football legend Billy Cannon has been hospitalized due to a stroke, but he is alert and resting, his family informed LSU Tuesday afternoon,” the statement said. “Doctors will conduct tests to determine the extent of the stroke. … The family expressed its thanks for the prayers and concerns of friends and fans.”