From Pittsburgh Hospital Bed to NFL Stardom, James Conner Beats Cancer and Returns Stronger Than Ever

A powerful resurgence after beating the deadly disease

October 1, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 24, 2026

After becoming cancer-free in 2016 and making a powerful comeback in the NFL, James Conner faced another setback in 2026 with a season-ending foot injury.

James Conner is a professional American football player who plays as a running back in the NFL.

He began his college career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he became one of the top players in the country.

In 2017, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and quickly proved himself with strong performances.

Later, he joined the Arizona Cardinals, where he continued to shine with his powerful running style and ability to score touchdowns.

After Being Diagnosed With Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, James Conner Announced He Was Cancer-Free In 2016!

In 2015, while recovering from a knee injury, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer.

He went through chemotherapy for about six months, but stayed strong and kept training during treatment.

He never gave up and continued to believe in himself. In May 2016, during an emotional interview on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”, , saying:

I’m cancer-free now. I beat it.

His courage and fight against cancer inspired many people, and he returned to football even stronger than before.

Conner is currently an active NFL player; however, he’s facing a significant setback.

He plays for the Arizona Cardinals, where he has been a key running back since joining the team in 2026.

However, in September 2026, Conner suffered a severe right foot injury during a game against the San Francisco 49ers.

The injury occurred in the third quarter, and Conner had to be carted off the field at Levi’s Stadium.

At that time, he was coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and remained a central figure in Arizona’s offense.

Initially thought to be an ankle issue, head coach Jonathan Gannon later clarified it was a foot injury requiring season-ending surgery.

While he’s currently sidelined for the rest of the 2026 season, fans and teammates remain hopeful for his recovery and return to the field in the future.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Conner played college football at the University of Pittsburgh from 2013 to 2016.
• He earned multiple honors, such as ACC Player of the Year and First-team All-American in 2014.
• He played for the Steelers from 2017 to 2026, then signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2026.

• Check other Articles on

Sangita is a passionate blogger with a keen eye for covering recent and trending news, particularly in the world of sports. Her love for travel and nature fuels her writing, adding a vibrant and refreshing perspective to her work. When she's not chasing the latest headlines, Sangita can be found exploring new destinations, capturing the beauty of nature, and sharing her adventures with her audience. Her unique blend of interests and expertise makes her blog a go-to source for both news enthusiasts and fellow travelers.

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