Hall of Fame
Michael Joe Cannon, a former football player and coach at Northwest, attended the College from 1978 to1980.
He started as a defensive end during his years as a Ranger. Cannon redshirted in 1979 due to a knee injury suffered in practice, followed by surgery. During his sophomore year, the Rangers were All-State for the North Half. He was selected to play in the Mississippi Junior College All-Star game as well. During the 1980 season, Cannon had 31 unassisted tackles, 50 assists, and five fumble recoveries.
Following his career as a Northwest Ranger, Cannon received a football scholarship from Memphis State University. He started as a defensive end and played for the Tigers for two years. During his senior year at Memphis, he received honorable mention in the Metro Conference, and was voted team captain by his fellow teammates. He was named as Most Valuable Player by the Memphis State University coaching staff that year as well. Cannon received a bachelor's degree in education from Memphis State University.
Cannon returned to Northwest in 1983, coaching defense for the Rangers under head coach Bobby Franklin until 1986.
Upon the death of his father, he took over the family's small used car business in Calhoun City, and developed it into one of the largest used car dealerships in north Mississippi.
Today Cannon is the owner of Cannon Motor Company in Calhoun City and Grenada, Cannon Chevrolet-Cadillac and Cannon Nissan in Greenwood and Cannon Ford Lincoln Mercury in Cleveland.
Cannon, who now resides in Greenwood, is active in his community as a board member of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, and as member of the Greenwood Rotary Club. He is on the board of directors of the local Boys Club, and is a deacon at North Greenwood Baptist Church.
Cannon and his wife Cheryl, have three children, Tyler, Morgan and Luke. His mother, Melba Cannon, lives in Calhoun City.
