Emotional!!! Netflix Reveals Release Date for Upcoming Special Documentary Honoring LSU Icon Billy Cannon — Celebrating the Heisman Legend’s 1959 Punt Return, 1958 National Championship Glory, and the Legacy That Paved the Way for Joe Burrow’s Historic Run in 2019
In what is sure to be a deeply emotional and inspiring experience for college football fans, Netflix has officially announced the release date for a powerful new documentary paying tribute to one of the most iconic figures in LSU history — **Billy Cannon**. The film, set to debut on **November 9, 2025**, will chronicle Cannon’s extraordinary life, unforgettable moments on the field, and his enduring impact on the LSU Tigers program and college football as a whole.
Titled *“Return to Glory: The Billy Cannon Legacy”*, the documentary is a heartfelt look at a man who not only won the **Heisman Trophy in 1959** but also delivered one of the most legendary plays in college football history — a 89-yard punt return touchdown against Ole Miss on Halloween night in 1959, where he miraculously broke **seven tackles**. That play, etched into the heart of LSU lore, became an emblem of courage, determination, and athletic brilliance.
The documentary also revisits LSU’s **1958 national championship** season, where Cannon’s all-around performance helped lead the Tigers to glory and cemented his place as a foundational figure in the school’s athletic identity. He was not just a running back; he was a force of nature, dominating games with a blend of power, speed, and tenacity rarely seen in any era.
But *Return to Glory* is not just about Billy Cannon’s triumphs—it’s about legacy. The film will explore how Cannon’s influence echoed across generations and helped shape the Tigers’ winning culture that laid the foundation for future stars, including **Joe Burrow**, the 2019 Heisman winner and national champion. The documentary draws parallels between Cannon and Burrow, two legends from different eras, whose greatness defined LSU’s proudest football moments.
Burrow, who threw for **60 touchdowns** and led the Tigers to a **perfect 15-0 season** in 2019, is featured in the documentary, reflecting on how Cannon’s impact reached far beyond the field. “You grow up hearing about Billy Cannon,” Burrow says in the trailer. “He was the heart of LSU. What he did made us believe we could do something just as special.”
Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Claire Robinson, the film is packed with interviews from former teammates, historians, LSU coaches, and Cannon’s family members, offering a well-rounded and personal perspective of the man behind the myth. Archival footage, replays of historic games, and behind-the-scenes storytelling will give fans new insight into both the glory and the challenges of Cannon’s life.
Netflix’s announcement has already gone viral on social media, with LSU fans, SEC rivals, and sports legends all expressing their excitement and admiration. The university is also planning an on-campus screening event, with a panel featuring Joe Burrow, members of Cannon’s family, and LSU head coach Brian Kelly.
With *Return to Glory: The Billy Cannon Legacy*, Netflix not only honors a football legend but tells a broader story — one of legacy, resilience, and how one man’s greatness can echo through generations.
Prepare for tears, goosebumps, and Tiger pride when the documentary premieres **November 9, 2025** — a date that will mark a new chapter in remembering LSU’s football royalty.
