By DannyPicard
CSNNE.com
FOXBORO -- @font-facefont-family: "Times New Roman";p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormalmargin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; table.MsoNormalTablefont-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; div.Section1page: Section1; Marcus Cannon knew the questions were coming. He just didntknow who they would be coming from, or when exactly theyd be asked.
But the 6-foot-5, 358-pound offensive lineman from TCU wasdrafted by the Patriots in the fifth round (138th overall) on Saturday, whichbrought up the uncomfortable topic of Cannons latest health issue.
Cannon was recently diagnosed with a treatable form oflymphoma, which was a reason his stock fell in the draft.
The Patriots, however, liked him enough during his pre-draftworkout with the team, that they decided to select him with their first pick onDay Three of the draft.
It was a blessing, said Cannon in a conference call. Meand my family were pretty ecstatic. After all that weve figured out in thelast couple of weeks, its just a blessing to have this opportunity to play inthe NFL.
Cannon said he hasnt been as emotional about the lymphomarevelation as one would expect. Perhaps thats because it hasnt yet sunk in.
New England Patriots
He began treatment on Thursday, and said he doesnt knowwhen hell be finished with those treatments.
I listen to whatever the doctors tell me to do, saidCannon. Ive started treatment. Just listen to them, and just do what they sayand do all my treatment. Thats all I can do.
Im just happy that I got picked up today by the Patriots,he said, when asked how many more treatments hed need. Im just happy to bewith my family. Were going to take it day by day, you know?
When asked how he felt today, health-wise, Cannon said, Ifeel awesome. God blessed me.
This is something that I have to go through, he said. Godwouldnt put this on my plate if this was something I couldnt have handled. Iknew this was going to happen, I was going to have to talk about this the wholetime.
Im just taking my treatment day by day, and whenever Imdone with my treatment, is when I get to go play football.
As for his on-field attributes, Cannon said hes neverplayed guard, but would do so, if asked.
I think I bring a big frame that moves as fast as everybodyelse, or faster, said Cannon. A lot of power. And I bring a good personalityto the team.
Half the teams worked me out at guard, half the teams hadme at tackle. I really didnt care where they put me. Ill play at either oneof them.
Danny Picard is onTwitter at http:twitter.comDannyPicard. You can listen to Danny on hisstreaming radio show I'm Just Sayin'Monday-Friday from9-10 a.m. on CSNNE.com.