In Remission, Patriots Rookie Marcus Cannon Makes Debut
FOXBORO (CBS) - Patriots rookie offensive lineman Marcus Cannon made his NFL debut Monday night, just months after finding out his he was in full remission from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
"The coaching staff gave me a chance to play and it was awesome," Cannon said after the Patriots 34-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Cannon found his way on the field as the Patriots were nursing a 27-3 lead in the fourth quarter. Right tackle Matt Light was out after injuring his right knee, so the time was right to get the rookie some experience.
It was just in time for a 14-play, 62-yard scoring drive that made up of 12 run plays.
"It was good for him. Anytime you get a young player that has a lot of talent, when you're able to get him on the field it's good for him," fellow offensive lineman Brian Waters said in the Pats locker room. "He's going to be just like everyone else in the fact we're all going to see some things he has to go back and work on. Hopefully as he keeps going, we'll be able to see what everybody thinks the potential he has."
"He has a lot of work to do, but he's a good football player," said Waters.
Cannon was selected by the Patriots in the fifth round of last year's NFL draft, just weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. His stock dropped but the Patriots felt they got a steal.
He began practicing with the team three weeks ago, and was activated to the 53-man roster last week. No one knew when the rookie would see his first game action, if any.
But that time came Monday night, and his team could not be happier for him.
"It's good to have Marcus out on the field, period," said head coach Bill Belichick. "He's been out there for about a month now. He's worked hard and I'm glad he's getting an opportunity to play. He's got a long way to go, but he took a step tonight."
As for Cannon himself, he knows his battle with cancer will precede anything he does on the football field. But if he can help inspire others, it will make him happy.
"You know whatever helps people," said Cannon. "Of course my story will always be there and I thank God every day; I am blessed and there is no way of putting it behind you. I am just looking forward to playing football."
And with Matt Light's status unknown, Cannon could be playing more football this year than anyone imagined.
