There haven’t been too many athletes who have starred in the WPIAL, for Pitt and for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then again, there haven’t been too many standouts at any of those levels who are arguably just as renowned for battling cancer.
James Conner’s story is chronicled in a book released earlier this fall from publisher Lake 7 Creative.
Author Larry Schardt’s 112-page paperback, “James Conner: The triumphs of a football hero,” takes readers through Conner’s youth in Erie, his high school career at Erie McDowell, his recruitment to Pitt as a defensive end, the switch to running back, ascension to ACC player of the year – and, of course, Conner overcoming Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Gift for the #Steelers fan on your list
— Larry Schardt (@LarrySchardt) November 11, 2019
An amazing role model!#SteelersNation #Pittsburgh #Pitt #H2P #GoSteelers #BlackandGoldhttps://t.co/nJxaQanFSc pic.twitter.com/oiGy8EOgL5
Conner getting drafted by the Steelers and his status as a Pro Bowler during his first season as a starter only added to his legacy in Pittsburgh. Conner embraces his status as a cancer survivor in providing inspiration to others, as he exhibited last week in surprising a man who has been diagnosed with a rare untreatable cancer by meeting him on the Heinz Field sideline prior to a Steelers game.
Shardt’s book is targeted to teens and adults. It was named one of the 24 best sports biographies by bookauthority.org.
Conner was ruled out for Sunday’s Steelers game at the Arizona Cardinals because of a shoulder injury.
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