Cannella attended Scottsdale Community College where he hauled in 29 receptions for 443 yards and seven touchdowns over 10 games. On September 3, 2016, Cannella had a career high six catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns against Glendale Community College.[2] In 2017, he transferred to Auburn.[3] His first touchdown with the Tigers came on a six-yard touchdown pass from Jarrett Stidham against no. 6 Washington on September 3, 2018.[4] On January 1, 2020, in the Outback Bowl against Minnesota Cannella caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from Bo Nix. Cannella appeared in 37 games over three seasons for the Tigers and had 25 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns.
Cannella played in the 2020 The Spring League Fall season for the TSL Generals.[6] In 2020, Cannella had 12 receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns in just three games. He also had an additional five catches for 66 yards and one touchdown in the championship game.[7] He was a key part of the Generals championship winning team in 2020, and as a result earned a workout with the Indianapolis Colts.[8][9] However, Cannella did not sign, and returned to the Generals for the 2021 The Spring League season.[8] In 2021, Cannella caught eight passes for 97 yards.[10] Following the season, he was invited to a mini-camp held by the Chicago Bears but did not sign.[5][11]
Miami Dolphins
On August 2, 2021, Cannella signed with the Miami Dolphins, and spent four days on the roster before being cut.[5][12][13]
New Orleans Breakers
Cannella was drafted number 2 overall in the tight end's phase of the 2022 USFL draft by the New Orleans Breakers.[14] During the season, Cannella accumulated 34 receptions for 368 yards, with two touchdowns, and was named to the All-USFL Team.[15]
Green Bay Packers
On July 20, 2022, the Green Bay Packers announced that they had signed Sal Cannella.[16][17] Cannella was cut by the team on August 16, 2022.[18]
Arlington Renegades (first stint)
Cannella was drafted 7th overall in the Skill Positions Phase of the 2023 XFL Draft by the Arlington Renegades.[19] He was the first tight end selected.[19] During the regular season, he was targeted 63 times and made 42 receptions for 415 yards.[20] He was the Renegades' leading receiver, and was also second among receiving yards for tight ends, behind only Cody Latimer.[20] He later won the 2023 XFL Championship Game with the Renegades.[21] He was released from his contract on August 21, 2023.[22]
Seattle Seahawks
On August 21, 2023, Canella signed with the Seattle Seahawks.[23] He was waived on August 27.[24]
On October 10, 2023, the Minnesota Vikings hosted Cannella for a workout, but no deal was reached.[25]
Arlington Renegades (second stint)
On February 25, 2024, Cannella re-signed with the Renegades.[26] Cannella finished the season and led the league with a career-high six receiving touchdowns. He finished first among tight ends with 497 receiving yards and 53 catches.[27]
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