The Steelers’ running back, James Conner, is a cancer survivor from his college years. Ironically, the doctor estimated he would only have one week left to live if he went untreated. Luckily, he was diagnosed in time. He had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer that involves the blood but starts in the lymph system.
Conner had barely any sleep thinking of the cancer. He caught the cancer just in time. Conner’s life was numbered. He didn’t even know. Conner’s outlook on life and how lucky he is changed indefinitely. His diagnosis was confirmed at the close of 2015. Conner returned to playing in the fall of 2016, healthy enough to play. Afterward, he set a record for touchdowns.
The Steelers carried Conner to the 2017 NFL draft. Eventually, he was given the opportunity to play for the Steelers full time, becoming an All Star player and the team’s official running back.
Conner’s strong plays despite his obstacles have proven him to be a phenomenal player. His effort to push past the taboo of cancer and push forward have taken him to extraordinary new heights. Being a professional football player does not mean there won’t be any struggle, and Conner is a great example of this.
