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Steel City Warrior Overcoming Cancer In College & Returning Stronger Than Ever

Though James Conner is now powering through defenses with the Arizona Cardinals, his journey from beating cancer to becoming the heart of Pittsburgh remains one of the NFL’s most uplifting stories—a testament to resilience that Steelers Nation will never forget.

Steelers voice support for James Conner after Le'Veon Bell no-shows -  Cardiac Hill

As a University of Pittsburgh running back, James Conner faced the ultimate opponent: Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Forced off the field by cancer, Conner endured months of treatment but never gave up his dream. In a miraculous comeback, he returned to football, starred in his senior season, and was drafted by his hometown team—the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his time in black and gold, Conner not only became the team’s starting running back, but also a living inspiration for fans across Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Steelers' James Conner happy to have focus back on football -  ESPN - Pittsburgh Steelers Blog- ESPN

His journey from a cancer diagnosis to Pro Bowl running back embodies the blue-collar grit and never-say-die attitude of “Steel City.”


As the Steelers’ feature back, Conner delivered highlight-reel plays, clutch performances, and carried the hopes of fans who saw their own struggles reflected in his perseverance.

Today, as a star for the Arizona Cardinals, Conner continues to inspire—proving that no matter where his career takes him, his roots and impact in Pittsburgh run deep.

Steelers' James Conner had a week to live without cancer diagnosis

James Conner: “Pittsburgh will always be home. I beat cancer there. I became who I am because of that city and that team.”

Diagnosed in 2015, Conner underwent chemotherapy and kept training throughout treatment, returning to lead Pitt’s offense in 2016.

Drafted by the Steelers in 2017, he became the starting RB and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2018.

After four seasons with Pittsburgh, Conner signed with the Arizona Cardinals, where he remains a key offensive weapon and fan favorite.

James Conner must accept a smaller role to earn a second contract with  Steelers

James Conner’s story is proof that hope, determination, and a strong community can conquer even the greatest challenges. While he now thrills fans in Arizona, his legacy as Pittsburgh’s homegrown hero—a true “Steel City Survivor”—continues to inspire.

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Raiders Reunite with a Former Starter to Fortify the Offensive Line
Las Vegas, NV   The Las Vegas Raiders have brought back a familiar face in a move that screams both urgency and savvy: versatile offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor is returning to the Silver & Black on a one-year deal (terms not disclosed), reuniting with the franchise where he logged some of the best football of his career and immediately fortifying a position group that has been stretched thin. Eluemunor, 31, started for the Raiders from 2021–2023, showing rare position flexibility across right tackle and guard while anchoring pass protection against premier edge rushers. His technique, anchor, and ability to handle long-arm power made him a steadying force during multiple playoff pushes. After departing Vegas, Eluemunor spent time elsewhere refining his craft, but a confluence of roster needs and scheme familiarity has set the stage for a timely homecoming. For the Raiders—fighting to keep pace in a rugged AFC—this is about stability and fit. Injuries and week-to-week availability on the right side of the line have forced constant shuffling; protection packages have leaned heavily on chips and condensed splits to survive obvious passing downs. Eluemunor’s return allows the staff to plug him at RT or slide him inside at RG, restoring balance to protections and widening the run-game menu (duo, inside zone, and the toss/ pin-pull that Vegas fans love when the edge is sealed). “Jermaine knows who we are and how we want to play,” a team source said. “He brings ballast. Assignment sound, physical, and smart—he raises the floor for the entire unit.” Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s an unmistakable emotional charge to this reunion. Eluemunor was a locker-room favorite in his previous stint—professional, detail-driven, and accountable. The belief internally is that his presence stabilizes communication on the right side (IDs, slides, and pass-off rules vs. games and simulated pressures), which in turn unlocks more vertical concepts and keeps the quarterback cleaner late in games. On social media, Raider Nation lit up the timeline with a simple refrain: “Welcome back, Jem.” Many fans called the deal the exact kind of “rival-poach, ready-to-play” move a contender makes in October: low friction, high impact, zero learning curve. What it means on the field (immediately): Pass pro: Fewer emergency chips, more five-out releases—OC can re-open deeper intermediate shots without living in max-protect. Run game: Better edge control on toss/duo; more confidence running to the right on money downs. Depth & versatility: One injury doesn’t force a cascade of position changes; Eluemunor can cover two spots with starting-level competency. The timetable? Swift. Because Eluemunor already speaks the language—terminology, splits, cadence rules—he could suit up as early as this weekend if the medicals/check-ins continue to trend positive. The message is clear: the Raiders aren’t waiting around for the line to gel—they’re engineering it. If Jermaine Eluemunor plays to his Raider résumé, this reunion could be the precise mid-season jolt that steadies the offense and keeps the Silver & Black firmly in the postseason race. Raider Nation, the question writes itself: Plug-and-play stopgap—or the catalyst that reclaims the right side