Between 1984 and 1996, Cannon was a trial lawyer in the Pittsburgh law firm of Robb, Leonard & Mulvihill, highlighted by a successful representation of the Major League Baseball Players Association.
He is President of Pittsburgh Sports Report, Inc. PSR has won 5 Golden Quill Awards, presented by The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania, recognizing excellence in journalism, among over 20 nominations.
Cannon was an on-air member of the Pittsburgh Steelers radio network between 2004 and 2010, serving as gameday anchor and host of all pre-game, halftime and post-game coverage.
For the past several years, Cannon has served as color commentator for Duquesne Dukes football, men's and women's basketball broadcasts on SportsNet Pittsburgh and ESPN+.
He also teaches the Ellis Cannon Academy of Sports Media and Broadcasting at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School.