Steelers RB James Conner, Cancer Survivor, Says Choice To Play Was Easy

James Conner says he never even thought about sitting out the 2020 NFL season due to COVID concerns. The Hodgkin lymphoma survivor says he's ready to play football and is happy to be playing.

“I’m going on four years removed from cancer, so I didn’t even talk to my family about (sitting out),” Conner said this week via teleconference. “It was never a concern for me, so it was an easy decision. Not much thought went into it. I want to play football, and my immune system is back to being healthy.”

It's also a contract year for Conner, who is coming off a 2019 where he played in 10 games and had seven touchdowns rushing and receiving combined. Throw in the fact that Big Ben's back, the immune system is fine, it's a contract year and Conner, 25, has every reason in the world to be motivated.

COVID is the least of Conner's concerns. He went through shoulder, knee, and thigh injuries during 2019 that left the Steelers and Conner frustrated and ready to get things straight in 2020.

It should also be noted that Conner released a book this summer titled Fear Is A Choice: Tackling life's challenges with dignity, faith and determination. The guy has gone through some things in life. The COVID era is just another bump in the road.

"In Fear is a Choice, James candidly shares his experiences during his battle with cancer and beyond, encouraging readers and illustrating the spiritual truths and personal principles that got him through his darkest days. James Conner is an inspiration for everyone who wants to learn how to tackle life’s problems with dignity, faith, and determination."