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Pitt RB James Conner gets fun surprise on 'Ellen' show (Video)
With spring practice in the books, Pittsburgh running back James Conner took a quick trip to Los Angeles.
The redshirt junior, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma late last year, was a guest on the Ellen DeGeneres show, where he detailed his quest to return to the field and play in the NFL. He was also paid a visit by surprise guest.
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Conner, the 2014 ACC Player of the Year, told DeGeneres that he has completed 10 of his 12 chemotherapy treatments, which take place every two weeks. His final treatment, Conner said, is scheduled for May 9.
All the while, Conner has continued to train and practice as much as he can. He cannot participate in full-contact practices yet, but, when he is not in treatment, he has been on the field with his teammates.
“We’ve got a game Sept. 3. I’ve got to be ready,” Conner told DeGeneres when asked how he pushes through. “I owe it to my teammates and the whole city of Pittsburgh to be ready.”
Conner’s resiliency has been inspired in part by Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry. Berry received the same diagnosis as Conner in December 2014 and was able to return to the field for the Chiefs in 2015, earning Pro Bowl honors and the Comeback Player of the Year.
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Conner had previously only spoken with Berry on the phone, but DeGeneres surprised Conner by bringing Berry onto the set.
Conner hopes to follow in Berry’s footsteps – not just by returning to the field for the Panthers, but by making it to the NFL.
“The goal is still the same, it’s just a little postponed,” Conner said.
For more Pittsburgh news, visit Panther-lair.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
