Billy Cannon Family Retained Original Heisman Trophy

The 1959 Heisman winner's original award remains with his family under a century-long trust.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Football

Bronze football player statuette in a running pose, expressive editorial sports illustration evoking the historic prestige of a college football award. — The original 1959 Heisman trophy won by Billy Cannon is secured in a century-long trust by his family. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Billy Cannon's original 1959 Heisman trophy is held by his family in a 100-year trust, preventing the award from being sold individually. While the family retains the original, LSU maintains a separate replica in its football operations facility.

Why it matters

The arrangement resolved a long-standing situation stemming from Cannon's 1980s decision to loan the trophy to a restaurant owner to protect it from potential IRS seizure. This structure ensures the legacy of the historic award remains protected and intact for the next century.

The original trophy is cast in Sterling silver and was earned following Cannon's iconic 89-yard punt return. While the Heisman Fund only began issuing two trophies in 1966, LSU displays a university-owned replica in its football facility.

The players

Billy Cannon

He was a standout LSU football player who won the 1959 Heisman Trophy and later served time at Angola State Penitentiary.

T.J. Moran

He was a restaurant owner in Baton Rouge who displayed the trophy at his local establishment, TJ Ribs.

LSU

It is the university where Billy Cannon played and where a replica of his Heisman trophy is currently kept in its football operations facility.

The details

Billy Cannon transferred the original trophy to T.J. Moran through an unwritten handshake agreement during a period of financial hardship in the 1980s. The award was displayed at Moran's Baton Rouge restaurant, TJ Ribs, before the family established the current legal trust.

Billy Cannon won the Heisman trophy in 1959.
The Heisman Fund began awarding two trophies in 1966.
Cannon loaned his original trophy to T.J. Moran during the 1980s.
Billy Cannon died in 2018.

Season Trajectory

This historical arrangement reflects the evolution of collegiate award preservation following the 1966 policy change where the Heisman Fund began awarding two trophies. It highlights the shift toward institutional ownership versus the complex legacy of original awards held by families.

Fans visiting the LSU football operations facility can view the university-owned replica, as the original remains secured within the family trust. This distinction ensures the historic, Sterling silver original is preserved away from public display.

The takeaway

The Cannon family trust serves as a protective measure for collegiate sports history by preventing the liquidation of iconic individual awards. Owners of similar historic memorabilia often utilize legal trusts to ensure items remain within a family line for future generations.