On this day four years ago, James Conner — the running back of the Pittsburgh Steelers — learned that he was cancer-free. In an emotional post on Twitter, Conner celebrated his four-year anniversary of being cancer-free on Saturday.
Thank you God 4 years cancer free today… Having cancer doesn’t define you, your mindset does. Keep fighting keep positive.. Saying a prayer for those who are still fighting during these times.. “ it started with hope” … 🙏🏽
— James Conner (@JamesConner_) May 23, 2020
Before being selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Conner played his college football at the University of Pittsburgh. Therefore, Conner — a native of Erie, Pennsylvania — wasn't going to have to travel far to his new team in the NFL.
But while he was in college, Conner underwent quite the journey off of the football field. In his first two seasons at Pittsburgh, Conner combined for 2,564 yards and 34 touchdowns. Heading into his junior season, there were sky-high expectations for Conner.
However, early in his junior season in 2015, Conner suffered a torn MCL. As a result, he would require season-ending surgery and he wouldn't be able to return to the field again until 2016.
After undergoing surgery, Conner was having trouble doing everyday activities and underwent some additional tests. Within those tests, doctors discovered that Conner had Hodgkin's Lymphoma — a form of cancer. The doctors gave him a week to live if they hadn't have found it when they did.
On the contrary, Conner battled his way back from the knee injury and overcame cancer in less than a year. Following his battle with cancer, he went on to finish his collegiate career at Pittsburgh and is now entering his fourth season with the Steelers. Regardless of where he plays in the NFL, he'll continue to be a beacon of hope for people that are dealing with sicknesses of their own.
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