By ADRIANA BECERRA
Student Reporter
Brandon Cannon decided to come to Northwestern to continue his education and play football. That’s not unusual, but Cannon is unique.
Most college students are 18 to 22, right out of high school or a junior college and just trying to have fun. Although Cannon loves to have fun, he also appreciates his time here to a greater extent.
He is not a traditional student. Cannon is 30 years old. He graduated from high school in 2003. He is also an ex-Marine. His story began when he gave college a try and just didn’t take it seriously in his first semester at Auburn University.
Cannon is one of nine children and is from Auburn, Ala. He tried to see the importance of college, but at first did not appreciate it. After Auburn, he headed to Troy University because he had a friend there. Finally, before enlisting he moved to Ohio. His best friend was going to the University of Cincinnati. He was there seven months just working and making minimum wage. Cannon said to himself at that point that something needed to change. He ended up seeing a Marine recruiter that wanted to talk to him and said, “It was the best decision I have ever made.”
“If you are going to do something why not do the best?” And that is why he chose the Marines, he said. “It’s kind of like playing defense, you have to have a few screws loose to be in the Marines. They mentally break you down.”
Cannon went to boot camp at Paris Island. “I do not think I have gone through something that breaks you down so much physically and emotionally up to that point in my life,” he said. “It was horrible but it was so awesome at the same time.”
Cannon was on the base football team. He said he realized that he still loved the game of football and knew that he wanted to play as much as he could.
For the Rangers football team, there is no question who is the most vocal and inspirational leader. There is no question who is going to give a pre-game speech in the locker room or who will be there to bolster the team’s spirit.
Cannon is also number eight in the conference in tackles right now.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to still play the game I love. Some people take it for granted and stress too much about things that are not important. Peoples’ biggest worry is that they have a test on Friday but there are people who don’t have a home, or have parents, or are out fighting for our country.”
Cannon plans to earn a degree in business and eventually work in marketing with Under Armour. He also wants to settle down, get married, and start his own family.