Former Auburn tight end Sal Cannella getting another NFL opportunity
Former Auburn tight end Sal Cannella is once again knocking on the door of the National Football League, continuing a remarkable football journey defined by persistence, resilience, and a relentless belief in his ability to play at the highest level. After multiple professional stops across the football landscape, Cannella has reportedly signed with an NFL team for training camp, marking another chapter in what has become one of the most unique and determined stories among recent Auburn alumni.
Cannella, who played at Auburn from 2017 to 2019, was never the biggest name on the roster or the most statistically dominant player. But those who watched him closely understood his value. A long, athletic tight end with soft hands and a wide catch radius, Cannella brought a unique skill set to the Tigers’ offense. He was particularly effective as a red-zone target and third-down option, using his 6-foot-5 frame and fluid route-running to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His time at Auburn was marked by flashes of brilliance and a willingness to do the dirty work—blocking, route clearing, and special teams assignments—that doesn’t always show up in box scores but earns the respect of coaches and teammates alike.
Despite those intangibles, Cannella went undrafted in 2020 and did not immediately land on an NFL roster. For many players, that could have been the end of the road. But for Cannella, it was only the beginning of a long and winding path through professional football. Instead of walking away from the game, he embraced alternative opportunities. He signed with The Spring League, a developmental league for players on the fringe of the NFL, and quickly became one of its standout performers. His play there earned him his first real looks from pro scouts and front offices, but the timing wasn’t yet right.
Not deterred, Cannella kept grinding. His journey took him through multiple alt-leagues, including the USFL and the XFL, where he emerged as one of the top receiving tight ends in both leagues. In 2022, playing for the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL, he became a favorite target and one of the most productive tight ends in the league, earning all-league honors and showing scouts that his talent could translate against elevated competition. His performance led to a brief stint with the Green Bay Packers during training camp that year, but he was released before the regular season began. Still, the taste of the NFL only deepened his hunger to return.
In 2023, Cannella took his talents to the XFL, joining the Arlington Renegades and once again proving himself as a reliable, athletic pass catcher who could stretch the field and contribute in multiple areas. Coaches around the league praised his professionalism, his work ethic, and his ability to mentor younger players. One Renegades coach described him as “a pro in every sense of the word,” noting that Cannella brought both leadership and production to a team that needed both.
Now, in 2025, that hard work and perseverance have paid off yet again, as Cannella has secured another opportunity with an NFL team. While the identity of the team has not yet been officially disclosed, league insiders confirm that he will be on an active training camp roster with a legitimate chance to compete for a depth chart spot. For Cannella, this is more than a second chance—it’s the culmination of years of sacrifice, belief, and hustle.
What makes Cannella’s story so compelling is the sheer persistence required to navigate the world of professional football outside the NFL. The life of a player in the USFL, XFL, or other developmental leagues is far from glamorous. The pay is modest, the facilities often basic, and the spotlight dim. Travel is grueling, contracts can be unstable, and the margin for error is razor-thin. But Cannella thrived in that environment. Rather than seeing it as a step down, he saw it as a stepping stone—a place to showcase his skills, refine his craft, and stay game-ready for when the NFL came calling again.
His confidence never wavered, even as the years passed and younger prospects entered the mix. That mindset, combined with a growing resume of consistent production, made him increasingly hard to ignore. NFL scouts began to take renewed interest, and the conversations that once ended with polite rejections began to turn into real opportunities. Now, with more experience under his belt and a more complete understanding of the professional game, Cannella enters this NFL opportunity not as a longshot, but as a seasoned competitor ready to contribute.
Former Auburn teammates and coaches have long vouched for Cannella’s toughness and talent. Though he wasn’t the centerpiece of Auburn’s offense during his college years, he was a dependable player in high-pressure moments. Whether it was securing a third-down catch in traffic, lining up in multiple positions across the formation, or contributing on special teams, Cannella showed a willingness to do whatever was asked. Those who watched closely could see a player with professional traits—size, hands, football IQ—and a hunger to maximize his potential.
Cannella’s return to the NFL conversation also reflects broader trends in the league’s evolving approach to talent acquisition. With more alternative leagues now operating as credible development systems, NFL front offices are increasingly open to finding contributors from outside the traditional draft pipeline. Players like Cannella, who have proven themselves across multiple professional environments, bring a level of maturity and real-game experience that younger rookies often lack. For general managers looking to round out a 90-man training camp roster or to find late-round gems, these players are becoming more valuable than ever.
From a football perspective, Cannella offers a versatile and intriguing skill set. He’s a matchup problem in the passing game, capable of running crisp routes from the slot or lining up as an in-line tight end. His long arms and strong hands make him a natural target in contested catch situations, especially in the red zone. While not a bulldozing run blocker, he is technically sound and willing to mix it up in the trenches. He can contribute on special teams and has experience playing in various offensive systems—spread, pro-style, and RPO-heavy schemes alike. That adaptability is a major asset as NFL offenses grow more complex and hybrid-based.
Cannella also brings intangible value to a locker room. Teammates and coaches consistently describe him as a high-character guy—respected, focused, and humble. That matters in NFL training camps, where chemistry and culture play a major role in decision-making. When the differences between players are marginal, teams often go with the guy who brings professionalism, effort, and consistency to every rep. Cannella’s journey—fighting through every layer of football’s professional ecosystem—has made him that kind of player.
If Cannella can stay healthy and capitalize on the reps he’s expected to get in training camp and preseason games, he has a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster or at least securing a spot on the practice squad. Given the importance of tight ends in today’s NFL offenses—not just as blockers but as dynamic pass-catching threats—players like Cannella are in high demand. With his size, experience, and understanding of the game, he could be an ideal fit for a team looking for reliable depth behind their starters.
Beyond the Xs and Os, Cannella’s story has resonated with fans who appreciate underdog tales and the quiet grind that so often goes unnoticed in sports. In an era where instant success and social media stardom often dominate headlines, his path is a reminder of the old-fashioned virtues that still matter: hard work, patience, and belief in oneself. His journey, from JUCO football to the SEC, from undrafted status to the XFL, and back to the NFL, is a blueprint for resilience.
For Auburn fans, Cannella’s return to the NFL spotlight is a point of pride. It’s another example of the program’s ability to produce not just NFL-ready athletes, but individuals who persevere beyond the spotlight and keep representing the school’s values long after their college days. As Auburn continues to develop tight end talent and compete at the highest level in the SEC, Cannella’s name remains part of the lineage that future players can look up to.
With training camp on the horizon and preseason games fast approaching, the next few months will be critical for Cannella. He’ll need to make every rep count, absorb the playbook quickly, and showcase his value on special teams and situational packages. But if his past is any indication, there’s every reason to believe he’ll rise to the occasion. He’s done it before. He’s done it in smaller leagues with less support, less security, and fewer resources. Now, with another NFL shot in front of him, the opportunity to complete the circle is there.
Whether or not Sal Cannella ultimately makes the final roster is almost secondary to what he’s already achieved. He’s redefined what it means to chase a dream. He’s shown aspiring players that there’s more than one path to the NFL, and that determination often outweighs raw hype. For those watching his journey, whether they’re Auburn fans, young tight ends in high school, or simply football lovers who admire grit, Cannella is already a success story. The rest is just bonus.
