Cardinals' Pro Bowler preparing to make memorable homecoming at Steelers
Former Steelers RB James Conner knows Pittsburgh very well. Having played his college ball at Pitt before taking over as the lead back following the departure of Le'Veon Bell, Conner holds a special place in the hearts of many Yinzers given his comeback from cancer, and his play on the field. But now Conner will […]
Former Steelers RB James Conner knows Pittsburgh very well.
Having played his college ball at Pitt before taking over as the lead back following the departure of Le'Veon Bell, Conner holds a special place in the hearts of many Yinzers given his comeback from cancer, and his play on the field.
But now Conner will be back running hard at Acrisure stadium, only it won't be for the team in black and gold:
"I Feel the Love"
“I feel the love. There is a lot of love in the City," said Conner about his return to Pittsburgh. "I got a lot of respect for the people there. I was dealing with all types of injuries and cancer and the Steelers still selected me. I’m forever grateful for that. The University of Pittsburgh was one of the few schools that gave me a scholarship. I got nothing but love for the people. It’s all love.”
Conner had a terrific career for the Pitt Panthers, recording over 4,000 yards from scrimmage and 54 TDs while winning ACC player of the year in 2014.
But a string of medical concerns, including a bout with cancer, put the highly talented prospect's career in jeopardy, with some teams likely taking him off their board altogether.
The Pittsburgh Steelers weren't one of those teams, however.
They selected Conner in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
And while they thought they were getting a backup and a feel-good story, Conner turned out to be much more in his first year as a starter, recording close to 1500 scrimmage yards and 13 TDs along with a trip to the Pro Bowl.
Conner would then depart for Arizona in free agency, recording an immaculate 18 total TDs and over 1100 scrimmage yards that would earn him another trip to the Pro Bowl in 2021.
So Pittsburgh will not only be facing a healthy Conner this week, but a motivated one. Returning to the stadium where he made his name, and facing off against the team that let him walk in free agency, stopping Conner will be a point of emphasis for the Steelers defense on Sunday, even if it will be all hugs and handshakes after the game.
Latest injury report for Steelers vs. Cardinals, Week 13
Here is the latest on the status of multiple starters ahead of the Cardinals game.
