Auburn football: Former Tigers TE finally recognizes NFL dreams

After the 2021 NFL Draft, Auburn football saw six players find new homes on the sport’s biggest stage. Anthony Schwartz, Jamien Sherwood, KJ Britt, and Seth Williams were all drafted, and then Eli Stove and Jordyn Peters were signed as undrafted free agents.

Unfortunately, Stove’s NFL dreams will have to be put on hold for now, but another former Tiger has finally made his way to the big leagues. Sal Cannella, Auburn football tight end from 2017-2019, was signed by the Miami Dolphins just this morning.

The Dolphins signed two tight ends, Cannella and Kalif Jackson, and activated wide receiver DeVante Parker in the move as well.

Cannella played 37 total games over his three-year career on the Plains. In those three seasons, he recorded 25 receptions for 330 yards and five touchdowns. Prior to Auburn, Cannella played at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona and was ranked as the #15 overall JUCO prospect at the time of his transfer.

Before joining the Dolphins’ roster, Cannella played in the Spring League as a tight end for the Generals. He participated in tryouts for both the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears earlier this year at different camps, but neither opportunity panned out.

Cannella will join former in-state rival Tua Tagovailoa in Miami, as well as former teammate, cornerback Noah Igbinoghene.

After graduating from Auburn with a degree in Apparel Design, Cannella founded high-end streetwear clothing company NNella in 2019:

"NNella was born out of a dream I’ve had since I was 12 years old.  While maintaining my role as a high caliber athlete and choosing to study Apparel Design at Auburn, I have put myself in a position to fully pursue this collection that I have long dreamed about.  I have been hands on with each and every design.  While most people know me for my unique taste in style, my goal is to share this flavor with each customer."

As an Auburn man, Cannella is no stranger to hard work, and it has finally paid off for him in the former of an NFL contract. Fly War Eagle wishes the best to Sal!