Fansided
Fansided

Pitt Running Back James Conner Announces He’s Cancer Free

By George Stockburger

Oct 4, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) gestures while running onto the field prior to the Panthers game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner (24) gestures while running onto the field prior to the Panthers game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. The Cavaliers won 24-19. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Just six months after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, Pittsburgh running back James Conner took to Twitter this afternoon to announced he has defeated his biggest opponent.

In December of 2015 Conner announced his cancer diagnosis and underwent 12 chemotherapy treatments, the last of which was less than two weeks ago.

The former ACC Player of the Year played only one game in 2015 due to a season ending knee injury in the fall.

He had put on a show against Youngstown State with two touchdowns in a very close win for Pitt.

Even during his treatments, Conner stayed with the Pitt team and even practiced on footwork and agility drills to avoid losing a beat on the field.

Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi released the following statement praising James Conner and his successful battle against cancer.

"“Over the past six months, James Conner fought cancer the same way he plays football: relentlessly and without surrender. He has inspired and touched so many people in how he has handled this challenge. James is an incredibly special person, and I’m not even thinking about his football ability when I say that. Everyone at Pitt feels blessed to know him and we are tremendously thankful for the wonderful news he received today.”"

James Conner was a top running back prospect heading into 2015 following an incredible sophomore season. As the ACC Player of the Year he rushed for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns, both of which led the conference.

Even as a freshman he showed his skills with 799 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on only 146 attempts.

Against UNC he rushed for four touchdowns

Freshman Qadree Ollison picked up where James Conner left off following Conner’s knee injury. Ollison rushed for 1,121 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Panthers.

Pat Narduzzi and James Conner have both expressed confidence in the junior running back returning for the opening game versus Villanova on September 3rd.

They will then follow that game up by hosting in-state rivals Penn State on September 10th.

Congratulations to James Conner for his successful fight against cancer.

Related Story: James Conner Scouting Report

Home/ACC