Pitt RB James Conner beats cancer, gets TD in first game back
By Matt Couden
Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner made a triumphant return to the college football field, scoring a touchdown in his first game since beating cancer.
It was a feel-good moment for Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner as well as his fans, teammates, family and college football as a whole. The Pitt RB was able to score a rushing touchdown in his first game on the field since defeating cancer. He would later add another one to contribute to his team’s points total against Villanova.
Conner led his team’s charge out of the tunnel and then helped the scoring in the second quarter. He was able to rush to the end zone after an outside move to the left. That gave the Panthers the 7-0 lead in an ACC matchup.
Pittsburgh looked to be heading towards a victory in the game with a 21-7 lead in the third. However, Conner’s victory over cancer and return to the field is even bigger than that.
The running back missed all of last year after suffering a knee injury in the season opener. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma as the season was ending. However, Conner underwent chemotherapy and was able to continue the treatments while working out with the team just a few months after his diagnosis. In May of this year, he was proclaimed cancer-free. As of Saturday, Sept. 3 he’s now scored at least twice in a great return for his team.
Conner was certainly excited to be heading out on the field for today’s game. He had several tweets ahead of the contest including one showing off a photo of some fan support heading his way.
In another tweet, Conner mentioned he was “Blessed to be back at it… #GameDay.” It clearly had to be exciting for him not only to get back on the field but to score at least twice.
As of this report, Pitt’s junior RB has 15 carries for 52 yards on the ground and the touchdown. He also had two receptions for a total of eight yards and a touchdown.
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Conner’s battle and victory is certainly one that will inspire many other people out there due to his triumphant return.