James Conner on playing in college with Aaron Donald at Pitt

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner talked with FanSided about his connection with former Pittsburgh Panthers teammate and current Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

There are several prominent players in the NFL that have made the jump to the league from the University of Pittsburgh. Two names that stand out are defensive tackle Aaron Donald and running back James Conner. Donald has made a name for himself with the Los Angeles Rams, becoming known as one of the top defensive players in recent NFL history. As for Conner, he is one of the most consistent running backs in the game, as evidenced by his past two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals

Conner spoke with Special Olympics Florida athlete Malcolm Harris-Gowdie at Super Bowl 57 radio row this week, where he talked about his connection with Donald dating back to their time in college at Pittsburgh.

"“He’s like a big brother to me,” said Conner. “I was a freshman while he was a senior so I got to play with him for one year. Just a true role model for me, just leads by example. His favorite phrase is ‘hard work pays off.’ He taught me that, and he’s always been like a mentor to me, so we have an incredible relationship that goes way beyond football.”"

James Conner on his connection with former Pitt teammate Aaron Donald

As Conner mentions, he entered the 2013 season as an incoming freshman, while Donald was an outgoing senior, destined for the NFL Draft. That year, the Panthers went 7-6 on the season, but were able to clinch a berth in a bowl game. In the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, Pittsburgh beat the Bowling Green Falcons 30-27.

That season, Conner rushed for 799 yards and eight touchdowns on 146 carries. Donald recorded 59 total tackles (43 solo, 16 assisted), 28.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles and three defended passes.

Donald entered the 2013 NFL Draft and was selected in the first round by the Rams. Conner remained with the Panthers football program, where he had to sit out for the majority of his junior year in 2015 after tearing his MCL and being diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Conner shared a message Donald sent him in 2015 after he was diagnosed with cancer on the day he was selected to the 2018 Pro Bowl. Donald wrote the following in the text.

"“What’s up bro I Just heard, just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you,” wrote Donald. “Everybody go through adversity some tougher than others, but I already know you’re going to bounce back stronger and better than ever, I just can’t wait to see it. I’m going to be the first to tune in. You’re going to look back at this one day after about seven Pro Bowls and a couple All-Pro Years and see everything that’s happened to you is just going to make you stronger. It’s just going to make your story that much better. You already know if you need anything, just hit me and let me know. Keep your head up know matter what, stay strong…”"

Conner’s caption on the screen-captured text message from Donald reads as follows:

"“3 years ago big bro @aarondonald99 sent me this text after I got diagnosed with cancer,” wrote Conner. “Today special because it’s all coming to reality..1 Pro Bowl down , more to come.. thank you for the motivation bro.. Hard work pays off!”"

Conner made the Pro Bowl for the second time in 2021, his first as a member of the Cardinals. That year, Conner ran for 752 yards and 15 touchdowns on 202 carries, while catching 37-of-39 targets for 375 yards and three touchdowns.

This past season, Conner recorded 782 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns on 186 carries, while also catching 46 passes for 300 yards and one touchdown on 58 carries.