Steelers running back James Conner shares cryptic ‘last dance’ post
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a few words, “They talkin like it’s my last dance….”
The post, featuring a photo of a him walking on a field, could be in response to the media analysis of the glut of players in the Steelers back field.
The team drafted Maryland running back Anthony McFarland Jr. in the fourth round last week. He joins a crowded running back group that includes Conner, Jaylen Samuels, Trey Edmunds, Kerrith Whyte and Benny Snell.
Conner’s words may have been inspired by ESPN’s documentary on Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls, titled “The Last Dance.”
Conner was drafted in 2017 and after spending a year playing behind Le’Veon Bell, became the team’s de facto top running back. But he has been hampered by injuries and has yet to play a full season — he has missed 11 full games over his three seasons.
Conner, 24, missed six games last season and accounted for 715 total yards with seven touchdowns, down from 1,470 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns in 2018.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Kevin Colbert and president Art Rooney II have all supported Conner, but they also mentioned the hope for him to stay healthy.
Conner’s contract expires after this season.
Frank Carnevale is the TribLive multimedia editor. He started at the Trib in 2016 and has been part of several news organizations, including the Providence Journal and Orlando Sentinel. He can be reached at fcarnevale@triblive.com.
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