Rookie offensive lineman Marcus Cannon, who is in full remission from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, made his NFL debut for the New England Patriots in Monday's 34-3 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Cannon played right tackle during New England's final possession of the fourth quarter, contributing to a 14-play, 62-yard scoring drive that ended with rookie Shane Vereen's first NFL touchdown.
The fifth-round draft pick out of TCU was activated from the non-football injury list last week, but his appearance Monday night came sooner than many expected, according to New England Sports Net.com.
"Seeing him in there was a little bit of a surprise, but when you dress for a game, you've got to be ready to go," right guard Brian Waters said. "So I think he did a pretty good job."
Cannon described his first NFL action as "awesome."
"Of course, my story will always be there, and I thank God every day," Cannon said. "I am blessed, and there is no way of putting it behind you. I am just looking forward to playing football."
"It's good to have Marcus out on the field, period," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "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 [Monday], I think."