Pittsburgh Panthers

Pitt running back James Conner diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma

Published Dec. 4, 2015 1:47 p.m. ET

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Pittsburgh All-American James Conner, the 2014 ACC Player of the Year, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, he announced at a Friday news conference. The 20-year-old running back first heard the news on Thanksgiving morning.

"When I heard those words, 'You have cancer,' I admit I was scared," Conner said. "But after thinking about it for a bit, I realized that fear is a choice. I choose to not fear cancer. I choose to fight it and I will win. ...

"One year ago today I was asking myself, 'Why me?' Why was I the lucky one to be getting the ACC Player of the Year award when I had so many teammates who deserved it as much as me? Now one year later, instead of asking, 'Why me?' I am saying, 'Why not me?' I can beat cancer."

The star running back is scheduled to begin treatment next week, according to Dr. Stanley Marks, deputy director of clinical services for UPMC CancerCenter/University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

Marks said the disease is in Stage 2 and added that the cure rate for Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, is 85 to 95 percent.

Conner said he plans to play football again.

"Know this: James Conner will not face this challenge alone," first-year Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi said. "We are all going to be right beside him every step of the way. And the day that he is declared cancer free, we will all celebrate like we do after one of his patented touchdown runs. James has never backed down from an opponent and we all know this is a battle he will win."

Conner missed the 2015 season after suffering an MCL injury in the Panthers' season opener. He rushed for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns en route to winning the conference's top individual award in 2014.

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