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Pitt Running Back James Conner Diagnosed With Stage Two Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 05: James Conner #24 of the Pittsburgh Panthers runs with the ball in the first half against the Youngstown State Penguins during the game at Heinz Field on September 5, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Last year, Pitt Panthers running back James Conner was named the ACC Player of the Year with over 1,700 yards and 26 touchdowns. This year, he is fighting cancer.

“One year ago today I was asking myself, `Why me?’ Why was I the lucky one to be getting the ACC Player of the Year award when I had so many teammates who deserved it as much as me,” he said in a statement. “Now one year later, instead of asking, `Why me?’ I am saying, `Why not me?’ I can beat cancer.”

Conner made the announcement at a news conference alongside his mother, Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi and several teammates. The Erie, Penn., native explained that he received the diagnosis on Thanksgiving and has tumors in his neck and chest; his chemotherapy next week.

“When I heard those words — `You have cancer’ — I admit I was scared,” he said. “But after thinking about it for a bit, I realized that fear is a choice. I choose to not fear cancer. I choose to fight it and I will win.”

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His coach also believes in Connor’s ability to battle. “It has been almost a year since I first met James and I’ve learned many things about him during that time,” Narduzzi said. “Yes, he is a talented football player, but more importantly he is an exceptional person. Being an athlete is just a small fraction of who he is. James cares deeply about others. He is invested in his community and helping people in need.

Know this: James Conner will not face this challenge alone. We are all going to be right beside him every step of the way. And the day that he is declared cancer free, we will all celebrate like we do after one of his patented touchdown runs. James has never backed down from an opponent and we all know this is a battle he will win.”

PHOTO: PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 05: James Conner #24 of the Pittsburgh Panthers runs with the ball in the first half against the Youngstown State Penguins during the game at Heinz Field on September 5, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Joe Kozlowski