The Grind Begins – From Gray Shirt to Game Day
Sal Cannella’s football journey didn’t begin with a scholarship or fanfare—it started with a conversation with a teammate who suggested to him to grayshirt: take classes part-time, train with the team, and preserve his eligibility. It was a bold move, but one that laid the foundation for his relentless mindset.
With no scholarship offers coming in, Canella filmed every rep, made his own highlight tapes, and emailed them to coaches across the country. His hustle paid off. After an All-American season at Scottsdale, he transferred to Auburn, where he played three years as a tight end.
Canella went undrafted after college but never lost the belief in his path. He bounced between spring leagues, eventually landing in Arlington—where he became a key piece of the Renegades' 2023 XFL championship run.
What It Means to Be a Renegade
Canella takes pride in being a Renegade—especially playing in Texas, where football culture runs deep and fans treat the team like family. “You don’t feel like just a team in a city,” he said. “You feel like the city’s team.” That connection is one reason he returned to Arlington after time with the Seahawks and Buccaneers.
Off the field, Canella keeps himself grounded through creative outlets. A fashion design major at Auburn, he now designs his own apparel and balances football with his personal brand. “That’s something that helps me keep a level head,” he said. “It gives me a break from the game.”
Whether sketching clothing designs or running routes, Canella puts in full effort. He’s found a rhythm in Arlington—on a team that matches his underdog energy and desire to keep proving people wrong.
Manifesting Greatness
When it comes to preparation, Canella goes beyond just film and workouts; he believes in visualization, confidence, and faith. “Physically, the work’s done in the offseason,” he said. “Now it’s about the mental edge. Knowing your playbook, studying your opponent, and believing in yourself.”
He journals daily, writes down goals, and reflects at night—building habits that help him stay focused through the highs and lows of a long season. That mindset helps him reset quickly when games don’t go his way.
“Not every game is going to go how you envisioned,” Canella said. “But you can’t let that shake your confidence. If you stay consistent, the results will come.”
His words reflect a journey defined not by instant success but by unwavering belief, perseverance, and the quiet grind that ultimately led him to where he is today.