Pitt running back James Conner, who was recently declared to be cancer free following his diagnosis last year, will participate in all practices this fall.
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It was a moment that shocked the college football world – Pitt running back James Conner, who was the catalyst of the Panthers’ team and their unquestioned leader, was going to be sidelined with the six letter word that stops anyone in their tracks: cancer.
Nearly seven months after the initial diagnosis, Conner got the wonderful news that his Hodgkin lymphoma was gone and he was cancer free. From that point, his focus was returning to the field. When Pitt opens their fall practices on August 8th, fans will see a familiar player on the field. Conner will be able to participate in all practices as the Panthers prepare for the 2016 season.
His coach told ESPN that they have to slow down Conner for fear of him potentially breaking down too quickly:
"We just have to monitor him a little bit,” said Pat Narduzzi. “We have to be smart. You let him go out there for a two-a-day, but you don’t have him out there every snap.”"
Conner will be monitored by staff as a GPS device will be attached to his body so that officials can make sure he is doing okay. Conner has set the goal of being back on the field for the team’s opener on September 3rd against Villanova.
There may not be a lot of fans of the Pitt Panthers across the country, but there will be tons of fans hoping James Conner is able to get back to form and be one of the most dominating players in the ACC. That being said, just being back on the field is a great thing after already winning an even bigger fight.
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