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Some players just capture the attention of the fan base for one reason or another. For someone like Antonio Brown, it was rising up from a no-name 6th round draft pick and turning into an All-Pro. For James Conner, it is all about his play on the field under less-than-ideal circumstances.
After dominating the college ranks at Pitt, Conner not only injured his knee, but was diagnosed with cancer. Conner rose up and not only rehabbed his knee injury, but beat back cancer with a stick to be drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Needless to say, anyone who knows Conner’s story were pulling for him. After all, the kid’s jersey was the No. 1 sold NFL jersey shortly after being drafted by Pittsburgh.
Nonetheless, Conner’s rookie campaign, which was promising for as little as he saw the field, ended shortly after he injured his MCL, requiring surgery. The news meant the team placed him on season-ending injured reserve, and another comeback started all over again.
For fans who were worried about Conner, he took to his verified Twitter account to tell everyone his surgery was a success.
Surgery went great, time to put in work! Appreciate all my family, friends and steeler nation for the support. Truly thankful..
— James Conner (@JamesConner_) December 20, 2017
While most football players might be daunted by the thought of having to overcome such an injury, Conner, and what he has already gone through in his life, will most likely laugh at the road ahead.
His 2018 season starts now, and I’m sure he is more motivated than ever to not just get back, but be be better than he was as a rookie. I don’t think anyone will doubt Conner in this regard.
We here at BTSC wish him a speedy recovery, and we look forward to his contributions in Pittsburgh for years to come!