Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner announced Friday that he has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, according to the Panthers' team website.
"When I heard those words- 'You have cancer' - I admit I was scared," said Conner, via the Panthers' team website. "But after thinking about it for a bit, I realized that fear is a choice. I choose to not fear cancer. I choose to fight it and I will win."
"One year ago today I was asking myself, 'Why me?' Why was I the lucky one to be getting the ACC Player of the Year award when I had so many teammates who deserved it as much as me? Now one year later, instead of asking 'Why me?' I am saying, 'Why not me?' I can beat cancer," said Conner, via the Panthers' team website.
Conner's junior season ended early after tearing his MCL in the season opener against Youngstown State. The Panthers star running back learned of the diagnosis Thanksgiving morning, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi knows personally what a tremendous person Conner is and believes that he will triumph over this adversity. "It has been almost a year since I first met James and I've learned many things about him during that time," said Narduzzi, via the Panthers' team website. "Yes, he is a talented football player, but more importantly he is an exceptional person. Being an athlete is just a small fraction of who he is. James cares deeply about others. He is invested in his community and helping people in need. Know this: James Conner will not face this challenge alone. We are all going to be right beside him every step of the way."
Conner has been an amazing player to watch on the field, but his actions off the field truly show what a great character this 20-year-old has. From handing used game gloves out to young patients, to volunteering at a Children's Hospital, Conner has been a role model for young football fans across the country.
