Cancer survivor’s NFL jersey selling fast
One of the hottest-selling NFL jerseys, right there with those of Tom Brady, Dak Prescott and Marshawn Lynch, belongs to a running back taken in the third round of April’s draft, eighth at his position and 105th overall.
Of course, fans — especially in Pittsburgh — have good reason to feel strongly about James Conner.
The native of Erie, Pa., played at the University of Pittsburgh before being drafted by the Steelers. During his junior year, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He continued to participate in non-contact drills with the team while undergoing chemotherapy treatments and he declared himself cancer-free in May 2016 before enjoying a stellar senior season.
According to Dick’s Sporting Goods, Conner has the No. 2-selling jersey this week, behind only Brady’s. For the month and for the year, Conner is at No. 3, behind Brady and Prescott.
Conner is vying to be the primary backup in Pittsburgh to Le’Veon Bell, who checked in at No. 19 on the Dick’s list.
The 2014 ACC player of the year, Conner rushed for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns as a sophomore, but in 2015, he suffered a seasonending knee injury during the Panthers’ season opener. The 6-2, 235-pound back then received his diagnosis around Thanksgiving.
In practices the following spring, Conner had to wear a mask to protect himself from harmful bacteria, and he couldn’t be tackled because he had a port in his chest through which the chemotherapy was administered.
“Over the past six months, James Conner fought cancer the same way he plays football: relentlessly and without surrender,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said when Conner announced he was cancer-free. “He has inspired and touched so many people in how he has handled this challenge.”