Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner survived cancer before he entered the NFL, but he’s not worried about playing this year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
James Conner on recovery from cancer: ‘My body’s healed’
Back in 2015, Conner suffered a torn MCL during the Pittsburgh Panthers’ season opener. While he was rehabbing that injury, he discovered he had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Incredibly, Conner beat cancer and was back for the season opener in 2016. Later on, he revealed he played most of that season at far less than 100% healthy.
Obviously, he’s come a long way since then.
Alluding to that, Conner shared that he’s now 100% healthy ahead of the 2020 NFL season.
“I’m 100%,” Conner said, per ESPN. “I had a weak immune system four years ago. It’s not weak anymore, thank God. I’m OK. I’m young and healthy. I went through what I went through.”
He also made it clear that he’s not concerned about playing football this season during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m not concerned, me personally. We’re going to play it safe, of course. I’m not going to ignore it or anything like that. But as far as me being scared or anything like that or trying to take extra, extra precautions because of my health history, that was four years ago. My body’s healed. I think when we follow our health protocol and guidelines, I’ll be just fine.”
Coming off an injury, Conner could have a huge season in 2020
Last season, Conner had a frustrating campaign. A shoulder injury cut his season short, causing him to miss six games. He’s determined to put that behind him and says he’s “in the best shape ever.”
Speaking of being in shape, check out this incredible physique.
In the 10 games he played last year, the former Pitt star put up decent stats. He rushed for 464 yards and four touchdowns, catching 34 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. Previously, Conner racked up 1,470 yards and 13 touchdowns from scrimmage in 2018.
With Ben Roethlisberger coming back from his own injury, Conner and the Steelers could have a major bounce-back season.