The NFL world has consistently presented us with heroes who not only excel on the field but also embody greatness in their personal lives. Some of them have also?faced and conquered cancer. Amidst numerous tales of inspiration, one name shines brightly: James Conner, the tenacious running back of the Arizona Cardinals. This remarkable athlete, now 28 years old, embarked on an extraordinary journey, seven years ago, enduring a battle that would test the limits of his strength and resilience.
Conner, the valiant warrior who proudly donned the red and white of the Arizona Cardinals, found himself facing an unexpected opponent in 2015. In a recent heartfelt gesture, the Cardinals organization shared a poignant photo of their fighter, paying tribute to his unwavering strength, indomitable courage, and fearless attitude in the face of adversity, commemorating not only his victorious battle but also celebrating the anniversary of his triumph.
The glorious return of Conner
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In December 2015, Conner received a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, during his junior year at the University of Pittsburgh, while recovering from a torn MCL. After undergoing rigorous treatment for six months, Conner announced on May 24th, 2016, that he was now cancer-free.
Throughout his treatment, Conner made a vow to return to the football field, and after successfully overcoming the challenging battle with cancer, he triumphantly came back to complete his senior season. His return was not ordinary; an indomitable spirit marked it. He accomplished impressive feats, rushing for 1,092 yards, scoring 16 touchdowns, and adding 4 receiving touchdowns in his 13 games.
Today marks 7 years of being cancer free for @JamesConner_ ? pic.twitter.com/h1qoks74pH
? Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 24, 2023
Following that, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Conner 105th overall in the third round. Over his four-year tenure with the team, he accumulated an impressive 2,302 rushing yards and scored 26 touchdowns. In 2021, he transitioned to the Cardinals and signed a three-year contract extension with the team in 2022. As he enters the second year of his extension, the upcoming season holds special significance, as it coincides with the seventh anniversary of his victory over cancer on May 24th.
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To pay tribute to this remarkable milestone, the Cardinals honored him with a heartfelt tweet containing pictures of Conner from the hospital, accompanied by the caption, ?Today marks 7 years of being cancer free for @JamesConner_?.? This tweet elicited an overwhelming response from fans who expressed their emotions and support on various social media platforms.
Conner is an inspiration for many!
The celebration of the seventh anniversary of Conner conquering cancer was not limited to the Cardinals alone. His fans and followers also enthusiastically participated in honoring their hero. Among them were individuals who had either been diagnosed with cancer or had triumphed over the disease, with Conner serving as a profound source of inspiration for them.
My man you are my inspiration right now. I will be starting chemo soon. I was diagnosed with testicular cancer recently and had surgery to remove a lymph node in my chest. I feel like if you can beat this disease, I can as well. #pittsburghstrongerthancancer!
— James Ogg (@ogg1681) May 24, 2023
I’m coming up on two years cancer free on July 3rd thanks for showing us kids that had to over come this and that could still be going threw it that we can be whoever we want to be and that this diagnosis doesn’t define who we are💪🎗️
— Exstys (@ExstysTv) May 24, 2023
This month makes 9 years for me (Hodgkin’s as well). Happy for you.
— Matt Wintner (@MattWintner) May 25, 2023
Some fans offered salutes to acknowledge Conner’s heroic comeback.
Whatever uniform you've worn, it's been worn with dignity and class. Steeler fan. It's also fitting that you're playing where the team won its last Super Bowl. Rock On brotha.
— Anthony Jefferson (@amjay2464) May 24, 2023
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Moreover, an outpouring of congratulations flooded in from fans applauding Conner for his triumphant victory over cancer.
Survivor Strong! Congratulations
— Kristina Miller RN (@Rhaja23RN) May 24, 2023
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Conner’s journey from cancer diagnosis to triumph on the football field continues to inspire fans. As the upcoming season approaches, all eyes will be on him, eagerly awaiting to witness his exceptional performance on the field.
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