Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner had a lot of expectations on him heading into the season trying to fill the shoes of Le'Veon Bell but he didn't feel any pressure because this is an opportunity that he has wanted his entire life.

“It’s what I have always asked for,” said Conner via the Pittsburgh Steelers team website. “Not the situation it was. I didn’t ask for that. But the opportunity to be a starting NFL running back. I didn’t really feel any pressure because it was everything I was asking for. I didn’t look at it as pressure because it’s what I wanted. It was a great opportunity.”

Conner took full advantage of the opportunity and will be the lead back leading into next season. Even though he dealt with injuries he still finished the season rushing for 973 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was also a pass-catching threat out the backfield bringing in 55 receptions.

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Conner was also asked his thoughts on the Bell holding out but said that wasn't something he wanted to comment much on, rather just focus on his play on the field.

“It wasn’t ever my place to say anything,” said Conner. “Even when I am playing well I don’t say much. I am not one to talk much and promote things. It was a funny position to be in. I didn’t have control over anything. I could only control what I did on the field.

“When my teammates said they believed in me, I didn’t pay attention to the outside world, what they thought. I just came to work every day. It was a funny position to be in, but I started all year and things worked out.”