Jimmy Cannon

Date of Birth: April 10, 1909

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: December 5, 1973

Biography

Jimmy Cannon was a prominent American sports journalist renowned for his sharp wit, keen observations, and compelling prose. Born in New York City, Cannon began his journalistic career in the 1930s and quickly rose to prominence for his sports columns. He worked for several major newspapers, including the New York Post and the New York Journal-American, and was particularly known for his boxing coverage. Cannon’s writing style was unique, blending hard-hitting commentary with an almost poetic sensibility. He was also a pioneer in the field, helping to elevate sports writing to a respected journalistic genre. Over his career, Cannon became a beloved figure in American sports journalism, known for his integrity and passion for the games he covered.

5 Interesting Facts about Jimmy Cannon

1. Jimmy Cannon was one of the first sports journalists to be inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.

2. He coined the famous phrase, “Nobody asked me, but…” which became a signature introduction to his columns.

3. Cannon was an avid boxing fan and is often credited with popularizing the sport through his extensive and passionate coverage.

4. He wrote a famous column titled “Boxing is dead,” which he later admitted was a ploy to generate controversy and interest in the sport.

5. Cannon was a contemporary and friend of some of the greatest sports figures of his time, including Joe DiMaggio and Joe Louis.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jimmy Cannon

1. “Sports is the toy department of human life.”

2. “Boxing is the toughest and loneliest sport in the world.”

3. “Nobody asked me, but…”

4. “A sportswriter’s job is to capture the essence of a moment, to put into words what fans feel in their hearts.”

5. “You don’t have to be a champion to be a hero.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Jimmy Cannon’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000, a significant sum for a journalist in his era.

Children

Jimmy Cannon had three children: Jimmy Cannon Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps to become a journalist; Patricia Cannon, who became an educator; and Michael Cannon, who pursued a career in law.