If you are a Pitt and Steeler fan just like us, you will also feel how it has been an absolute privilege to follow James Conner's journey to the NFL. We were also at Pitt with him from his Sophomore to RS Junior seasons. Even if you are not a fan of either team, it is still amazing to watch what this young man has done in his lifetime. He has been an inspiration to us and so many others out there; we won't repeat his story as most everyone is familiar with it, instead our best way to honor him is to take a look at his best moments since coming to Pittsburgh.
December 1, 2014
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| 247sports.com |
ACC Player of the Year: James Conner. JC earned this honor after surpassing the record set by Tony Dorsett for most total touchdowns in a Pitt uniform with 24. What an amazing season it was for JC and he seemed to be well on his way to entering the NFL Draft the following year, but....
December 4, 2015
A day many of us will never forget. I remember sitting in my History of Jazz recitation watching this press conference thinking JC was announcing he would be going to the NFL... and then the shocking news hit. JC announced he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and he was ready to fight this disease. The strength he showed during this press conference is something I will always remember and be inspired by. I get a little teary eyed just thinking about it...
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| www.post-gazette.com |
May 23, 2016 Beating Cancer and inspiring cancer survivors
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| Theplayerstribune.com |
It was a long and hard-fought 6 months that we all followed closely, with a prayer in our hearts for James. Even though we knew he was strong and there's an "85%" cure rate, that doesn't guarantee anything and doesn't make the process easy in any way, shape, or form. Many of us can't comprehend what victims of Hodgkin's Lymphoma go through, we can only watch from the sidelines. Highly recommend checking out, if you haven't already, James' Player Tribune article on his journey -
https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/james-conner-pittsburgh-college-football-cancer. He not only went through the rigor of fighting cancer, but showing up to practice when he wasn't nearly 100%, that's inspiration. Not only was James in contact with many public figures from President Bill Clinton to countless NFL players, he, in partnership with Dr.Marks (his doctor throughout), raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research. Most importantly, he is a hero and a role model for so many kids who go through the same fight.
September 3, 2016
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| pittsburghpanthers.com |
Pitt beat Villanova 28-7, which is nice and expected. But, for the first time in 364 days, James Conner took the field again as a Pitt Panther; cancer-free, healthy knee, and a "C" on his chest. His first carry may have been meh, but that didn't stop anyone at Heinz Field from a full standing ovation. He finished the day with 53 yards on 17 carries + 3 catches for 16 yards and two total touchdowns. But this wasn't about football. This was about a good man who fought for his life, and won, and is back to fight with his brothers playing the game he loves.
November 12, 2016
What a game and what a performance. 132 rushing yards with a rushing and receiving touchdown in what seemed like his first game he was at 100% after beating cancer was truly amazing to watch. Oh yea, he also did it against the eventual National Champions. Do yourself a favor and go watch the highlight of JC's amazing run and stiff arm to score this 20 yard touchdown (https://gfycat.com/thoseimaginaryarachnid-acc-digital-network). Oh yea, Steve Levy still sucks too.
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| ThePittNews.com |
April 28, 2017
Arthur Moats came to the podium to announce the 105th pick in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and there was not a dry eye in Pittsburgh by the time he was done announcing the pick. This is easily one of my favorite moments as a Steeler and Pitt fan. I would have been a fan no matter where JC got drafted (even in New England), but for him to stay in Pittsburgh and play for the Steelers is truly magical.
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| purbalite.net |
Present Day
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| post-gazette.com |
Sitting most of his rookie year was expected when you're behind All-Pro/All-Universe-Elite-RB/WR, Le'veon Bell. Yet James clearly made the most of it, learning and developing, as he was thrust into the starting RB role in 2018-2019 season. Accumulating totals of 270 touches, 1470 yards, and 13 TD's, he reached a new level of stardom and was rewarded a Pro-Bowl nod. Being asked to do much what Bell was, rushing and receiving, but in a more classic and hard-nosed fashion, what Steelers fans are used to. Unfortunately, he missed a number of games due to injury and was used minimally in a number of games due to gameplans (Randy Fichtner forgetting-the-run-game act). From being drafted to now, his jersey continues to be near the top of sales charts. While he continues to improve himself and his game, physically; his off-the-field resume continues to build as he recently was awarded the Post-Gazette's Dapper Dan Award and continues to be one of Pittsburgh's community role models.
All we have left to say is what a guy JC is and we give him a big thank you for letting us tag along for his amazing ride.
Thanks for reading! Hail to Pitt and Here We Go Steelers!
-Aaron and Ryan, TGYK
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