James Conner (American football)
{{Short description|American football player (born 1995)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = James Conner
| image = ARZ RB James Conner FanDuel Interview.png
| alt =
| caption = Conner in 2023
| current_team = Arizona Cardinals
| number = 6
| position = Running back
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|5|5}}
| birth_place = Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 1
| weight_lbs = 233
| high_school = McDowell {{nowrap|(Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania)}}
| college = Pittsburgh (2013–2016)
| draftyear = 2017
| draftround = 3
| draftpick = 105
| pastteams = * Pittsburgh Steelers ({{NFL Year|2017}}–{{NFL Year|2020}})
- Arizona Cardinals ({{NFL Year|2021}}–present)
| status = Active
| highlights = * 2× Pro Bowl (2018, 2021)
- First-team All-American (2014)
- ACC Player of the Year (2014)
- ACC Offensive Player of the Year (2014)
- ACC Brian Piccolo Award (2016)
- 2× First-team All-ACC (2014, 2016)
| statleague = NFL
| statseason = 2024
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Rushing yards
| statvalue1 = 5,970
| statlabel2 = Rushing average
| statvalue2 = 4.4
| statlabel3 = Rushing touchdowns
| statvalue3 = 59
| statlabel4 = Receptions
| statvalue4 = 281
| statlabel5 = Receiving yards
| statvalue5 = 2,217
| statlabel6 = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue6 = 11
| pfr = ConnJa00
}}
James Earl Conner (born May 5, 1995) is an American professional football running back for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers. In 2014, he garnered AFCA first-team All-American honors and was awarded the ACC Player of the Year. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft.
Early life
Conner attended McDowell High School in Erie, Pennsylvania.{{Cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Brian |date=September 16, 2014 |title=James Conner: Shaped by family, Pitt RB rushing into record books |language=en |work=SI.com |url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2014/09/16/james-conner-pittsburgh-panthers |access-date=March 23, 2018}} He was a running back and defensive lineman on the Trojans football team. As a senior, he rushed for 1,680 yards on 155 carries and 26 touchdowns. He committed to play college football at the University of Pittsburgh in August 2012.{{Cite web |date=August 13, 2012 |title=McDowell (PA) RB/DE James Conner Commits to Pitt |url=https://www.cardiachill.com/2012/8/13/3240769/pitt-football-recruiting-james-conner |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Cardiac Hill |language=en}}
College career
=2013 season=
As a true freshman in 2013, Conner played in 12 of 13 games. He made his collegiate debut during the Panthers' season opening loss to Florida State and had eight carries for 34 yards.{{Cite web |title=Florida State at Pitt Box Score, September 2, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-09-02-pittsburgh.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The following week, he scored his first career touchdown against New Mexico and finished the win with 12 carries, 119 rushing yards, and a season-high two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=New Mexico at Pitt Box Score, September 14, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-09-14-pittsburgh.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On December 26, 2013, Conner had a season-high 26 carries for 226 yards and a touchdown during a 30–27 victory over Bowling Green in the Little Caesars Bowl,{{Cite web |title=Little Caesars Bowl – Pitt vs Bowling Green State Box Score, December 26, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-12-26-bowling-green-state.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He was named the 2013 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl MVP.{{Cite web |title=James Conner 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/james-conner-1/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Sports Reference}} He led the team in rushing yards with 799 and rushing touchdowns with eight.{{Cite news |title=James Conner, Pitt top Bowling Green in Little Caesars Bowl |language=en |work=SI.com |url=https://www.si.com/college-football/campus-union/2013/12/26/james-conner-pitt-beat-bowling-green-in-little-caesars-bowl |access-date=October 29, 2018}}{{Cite web |title=2013 Pitt Panthers Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/pittsburgh/2013.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=December 26, 2013 |title=James Conner leads Pittsburgh past Bowling Green |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/acc/2013/12/26/little-caesars-pizza-bowl-james-conner-pittsburgh-panthers-bowling-green-falcons/4213993/ |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=USA TODAY |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} Conner's 229 rushing yards broke Tony Dorsett's school record for rushing yards in a bowl game.{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Kevin |date=December 27, 2013 |title=Gorman: A Pitt great compliments Conner |url=http://triblive.com/sports/-topstories/5308310-74/conner-yards-bowl |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=TribLive |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2013 |title=James Conner breaks Pittsburgh bowl rushing record, plays defense in Pizza Bowl win over Bowling Green |url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/12/james_conner_breaks_pittsburgh.html |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=Lehigh Valley Live |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}
=2014 season=
Conner started his sophomore season rushing for 153 yards on 14 carries and scored a season-high four touchdowns in the season-opening 62–0 win over Delaware.{{Cite web |title=Delaware at Pitt Box Score, August 30, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-08-30-pittsburgh.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On November 1, 2014, Conner rushed for a career-high 263 rushing yards on a career-high 38 attempts and scored three touchdowns during a 51–48 double-overtime loss to No. 24 Duke.{{Cite web |title=Duke at Pitt Box Score, November 1, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-01-pittsburgh.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The next game, he passed 200 yards rushing for a second consecutive game with 30 carries for 220 yards and career-high-tying four touchdowns in a loss to North Carolina.{{Cite web |title=Pitt at North Carolina Box Score, November 15, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-11-15-north-carolina.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In his sophomore season in 2014, Conner rushed for 1,765 yards on 298 attempts and set an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) record with 26 rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=James Conner 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/james-conner-1/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Sports Reference}} He led the ACC in rushing yards and ranked 7th in the Football Bowl Subdivision.{{Cite web |title=2014 Atlantic Coast Conference Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/acc/2014-leaders.html |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2014 Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/years/2014-leaders.html |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} At the end of the season, he was named the ACC Player of the Year{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2014 |title=Pitt's Conner dethrones Winston for ACC POY |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/11973327 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} and garnered American Football Coaches Association first-team All-American honors.
=2015 season=
On September 5, 2015, Conner tore his MCL during the Panthers' season opening 45–37 victory over Youngstown State.{{Cite web |last=Werner |first=Sam |date=September 7, 2015 |title=Pitt standout James Conner out for season with MCL injury |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2015/09/07/Pitt-Panthers-running-back-James-Conner-to-miss-2015-season-with-MCL-injury/stories/201509070108 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |language=en}} He finished the game with eight carries for 77 rushing yards and scored two rushing touchdowns but missed the rest of his junior season.{{Cite web |title=Youngstown State at Pitt Box Score, September 5, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-09-05-pittsburgh.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He was also diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma during the rehab process and was finally cancer-free during the off-season.{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2015 |title=Pittsburgh star James Conner diagnosed with cancer |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/acc/2015/12/04/pittsburgh-star-james-conner-cancer-hodgkin-lymphoma/76787234/ |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=USA TODAY |language=en}}
=2016 season=
Conner played in the Panthers' season-opener against Villanova and finished the victory with 17 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown while also accounting for three receptions for 15 yards and scored his first career touchdown reception.{{Cite web |title=Villanova at Pitt Box Score, September 3, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-09-03-pittsburgh.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The next game, Conner had 22 attempts for 117 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in a 42–39 victory over Penn State. He also had four receptions, 29 receiving yards, and a touchdown reception against Penn State.{{Cite web |title=Penn State at Pitt Box Score, September 10, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-09-10-pittsburgh.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On September 17, 2016, Conner had a season-high 24 carries for 111 rushing yards and a touchdown during a 38–45 loss to Oklahoma State.{{Cite web |title=Pitt at Oklahoma State Box Score, September 17, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-09-17-oklahoma-state.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On October 27, 2016, he had 19 carries, a season-high 141 rushing yards, and three touchdowns in a 36–39 loss to No. 25 Virginia Tech.{{Cite web |title=Virginia Tech at Pitt Box Score, October 27, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-10-27-pittsburgh.html |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=James Conner 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/james-conner-1/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Sports Reference}}
On December 10, 2016, Conner announced via Twitter that he intended to apply for early eligibility for the 2017 NFL draft as an underclassman and forgo his senior year at Pitt. Underclassmen had to apply for the draft by January 16, 2017.{{Cite web |last=Goodbread |first=Chase |date=December 10, 2016 |title=Pitt RB Name Conner intends to enter the 2017 NFL Draft |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/pitt-rb-james-conner-intends-to-enter-2017-nfl-draft-0ap3000000754275 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |website=NFL.com}}
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Team ! rowspan="2"| GP ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | ||
| 2013 | Pittsburgh
| 12 || 146 || 799 || 5.5 || 45 || 8 || 3 || 33 || 11.0 || 13 || 0 | ||||||||||
| 2014 | Pittsburgh
| 13 || 298 || 1,765 || 5.9 || 75T || 26 || 5 || 70 || 14.0 || 40 || 0 | ||||||||||
| 2015 | Pittsburgh
| 1 || 8 || 77 || 9.6 || 40 || 2 || 1 || 7 || 7.0 || 7 || 0 | ||||||||||
| 2016 | Pittsburgh
| 13 || 216 || 1,092 || 5.1 || 40T || 16 || 21 || 302 || 14.4 || 55T || 4 | ||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/james-conner-1.html Career] | 39 | 668 | 3,733 | 5.6 | 75T | 52 | 30 | 412 | 13.7 | 55T | 4 |
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
Conner attended the NFL Scouting Combine, but chose to perform only the 40-yard dash, broad jump, vertical jump, and bench press. He completed the three-cone drill, short shuttle, and positional drills at Pitt's Pro Day to finish his combine performance. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Conner was projected to be a fifth or sixth round pick by NFL draft scouts and experts.{{Cite web |title=NFL Draft Profile: James Conner |url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/james-conner?id=2557978 |access-date=May 12, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} Conner was ranked the 12th best running back available in the draft by Sports Illustrated and the 15th best running back by DraftScout.com.{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Chris |date=April 24, 2017 |title=2017 NFL draft rankings: Top prospects by position |url=https://www.si.com/2017-nfl-draft-position-rankings |access-date=May 12, 2017 |website=si.com}}
{{external media
| video1 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000796759/James-Conner-2017-Combine-Workout James Conner's NFL Combine Workout]
| video2 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000789635/James-Conner-runs-the-40-yard-dash-in-4-65-seconds James Conner runs the 40-yard dash in 4.65s]
}}
{{nfl predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 1 1/2
| weight = 229
| dash = 4.65
| ten split = 1.63
| twenty split = 2.69
| shuttle = 4.40
| cone drill = 7.14
| vertical = 29
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 5
| bench = 20
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 31 1/4
| hand span = 9 7/8
| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pittsburgh's Pro Day{{Cite web |title=NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles – James Conner |url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/james-conner?id=2557978 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}{{Citation |title=*James Conner, DS No. 15 RB, Pittsburgh |url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=126879&draftyear=2017&genpos=RB |work=NFLdraftscout.com |access-date=May 12, 2017}}
}}
{{external media
| video1 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000804459/Steelers-select-James-Conner-No-105-in-the-2017-NFL-Draft Steelers draft James Conner 105th overall]
}}
=Pittsburgh Steelers=
==2017==
{{see also|2017 Pittsburgh Steelers season}}
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Conner in the third round with the 105th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=April 28, 2017 |title=Steelers take James Conner as RB stays in Pittsburgh |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-take-james-conner-as-rb-stays-in-pittsburgh-0ap3000000804472 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} Conner was the eighth running back selected in the draft.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/draft.htm |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He had the top selling NFL jersey throughout July, beating all rookies, as well as Marshawn Lynch, Von Miller, Dak Prescott, and Tom Brady.{{Cite web |last=Hanzus |first=Dan |date=July 26, 2017 |title=Backup rookie RB has NFL's hottest-selling jersey |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rookie-james-conner-has-nfl-s-hottest-selling-jersey-0ap3000000822076 |access-date=October 6, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}
On May 11, 2017, the Steelers signed Conner to a four-year, $3.16 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $706,288.{{Cite web |last=Zucker |first=Joseph |date=May 11, 2017 |title=James Conner, Steelers reportedly agree to 4-year contract |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2709194 |access-date=May 12, 2017 |website=Bleacher Report}}{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: James Conner contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/james-conner-21847/ |access-date=October 11, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}}
Conner entered training camp competing with veterans Knile Davis and Fitzgerald Toussaint for the vacant backup running back position left by DeAngelo Williams. Davis and Toussaint were released during final roster cutdowns, and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin named Conner the backup to Le'Veon Bell to begin the regular season.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Pittsburgh Steeler's depth chart: 08/01/2017 |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/198/PIT |access-date=October 6, 2017 |website=ourlads.com}}
Conner made his NFL debut in the season-opener at the Cleveland Browns and had four carries for 11 yards in a 21–18 victory.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100cle.htm |access-date=September 24, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} In Week 4, he had four carries for a season-high 26 rushing yards in a 26–9 victory at the Baltimore Ravens. On December 19, 2017, he was placed on injured reserve due to an MCL injury that required surgery.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Mike |date=December 20, 2017 |title=James Conner placed on IR by Steelers after MCL injury |url=https://www.cardiachill.com/2017/12/20/16799686/james-conner-mcl-injury-season-ending-pittsburgh-steelers-pitt-panthers-nfl-football-running-back |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=Cardiac Hill}} Conner finished his rookie season with 144 rushing yards on 32 carries.{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=December 19, 2017 |title=Steelers sign Ridley |url=http://www.steelers.com/news/transactions/article-4/Steelers-sign-Ridley/542369c8-53bc-4a9d-95d4-bffd35b78fdf |access-date=October 20, 2020 |website=Steelers.com}}
==2018==
{{see also|2018 Pittsburgh Steelers season}}
Head coach Mike Tomlin named Conner the starting running back to begin the regular season after Le'Veon Bell's decision to indefinitely hold out due to a contract dispute over a long-term deal.{{Cite news |last=Bouchette |first=Ed |date=September 4, 2018 |title=Steelers seem ready to start James Conner in season opener |language=en |work=Post-Gazette |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2018/09/04/le-veon-bell-contract-james-conner-steelers-browns-opener-2018/stories/201809040098 |access-date=July 23, 2019}}
Conner made his first NFL start in the season-opener at the Browns and had 31 carries for 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 21–21 tie. He scored his first NFL touchdown on a 4-yard run in the first quarter and also had five receptions for 47 yards. His 135-yard performance led all players in rushing yards during Week 1.{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2018 |title=Browns don't lose, tie Steelers 21–21 in sloppy game |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401030718 |access-date=October 1, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} During Week 5 in a 41–17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, he had 110 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go along with four receptions for 75 yards.{{Cite news |last=Graves |first=Will |date=October 8, 2018 |title=Conner blossoming for Steelers as Falcons falter |language=en-US |work=KHON |url=https://www.khon2.com/sports/nfl/nfl-pittsburg/conner-blossoming-for-steelers-as-falcons-falter/1506636760 |access-date=October 29, 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In Week 6, a 28–21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Conner had 111 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go along with four receptions for 18 yards.{{Cite news |date=October 14, 2018 |title=Thriller: Steelers Come Back Late To Beat Bengals |url=https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2018/10/14/steelers-come-back-to-beat-bengals/ |access-date=July 23, 2019 |work=CBS Pittsburgh|agency=Associated Press |language=en}} In Week 8, Conner had the best game of his career to date, rushing for 146 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns as well as five receptions for 66 yards in a 33–18 rout of the Browns.{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Jeremy |date=October 28, 2018 |title=James Conner takes over Heinz Field, dominates Browns again |language=en |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/95742 |access-date=July 23, 2019}} For his efforts, Conner was named the American Football Conference (AFC) Offensive Player of the Week along with AFC Offensive Player of the Month for the month of October.{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2018 |title=James Conner, Adrian Peterson among Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000981708/article/james-conner-among-the-nfl-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205100848/https://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000981708/article/james-conner-among-the-nfl-players-of-the-week |archive-date=February 5, 2020 |access-date=July 30, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=November 1, 2018 |title=Todd Gurley, James Conner lead players of October |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000983085/article/aaron-donald-james-conner-among-players-of-the-month |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422183037/https://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000983085/article/aaron-donald-james-conner-among-players-of-the-month |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |access-date=July 30, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} In the following game, against the Ravens, he had 107 rushing yards, 56 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown in the 23–16 victory.{{Cite web |title=James Conner 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConnJa00.htm |access-date=January 30, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 13, against the Los Angeles Chargers, he suffered a lower leg injury that sidelined him for a few weeks.{{Cite web |last=Brady |first=James |date=December 2, 2018 |title=James Conner will miss Week 14 vs. Raiders due to lower leg sprain |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/12/2/18123266/james-conner-injury-steelers-chargers-leveon-bell |access-date=January 30, 2019 |website=SBNation.com}} It was announced on December 18, 2018, that Conner was selected to the 2019 Pro Bowl, his first, and also named the starting running back for the AFC Pro Bowl Team.{{Cite web |date=December 18, 2018 |title=NFL reveals rosters for 2019 Pro Bowl in Orlando |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-reveals-rosters-for-2019-pro-bowl-in-orlando-0ap3000001001792 |access-date=December 21, 2018 |website=NFL.com |language=en}} He returned for the regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – December 30th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201812300pit.htm |access-date=January 30, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the 2018 season with 973 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 55 receptions, 497 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=James Conner 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConnJa00.htm |access-date=January 30, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was ranked 62nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.{{Cite web |title=2019 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2019-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2019==
{{see also|2019 Pittsburgh Steelers season}}
In Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, Conner injured his knee and exited the game in the third quarter. Prior to being injured, Conner rushed 11 times for 33 yards and his first rushing touchdown of the year. Without Conner, the Steelers lost 26–28.{{Cite web |date=September 15, 2019 |title=Wilson, Seahawks edge Steelers 28–26 as Roethlisberger exits |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128110 |access-date=September 15, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} In Week 6 against the Chargers, Conner rushed 16 times for 41 yards and a touchdown and caught seven passes for 78 yards and a touchdown in the 24–17 win.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2019 |title=Steelers' Conner scores 2 TDs, Hodges wins first start |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128131 |access-date=October 13, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} In Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, Conner rushed 23 times for 145 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game with a shoulder injury. Without Conner, the Steelers won 27–14.{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2019 |title=Steelers overcome slow start, drop winless Dolphins 27–14 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128074 |access-date=October 28, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} He was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=October 30, 2019 |title=Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/joey-bosa-nick-bosa-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001071284 |access-date=October 30, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} Conner made his return from injury in Week 11 against the Browns on Thursday Night Football. In the game, Conner rushed five times for 10 yards and caught one pass for six yards before injuring his shoulder again in the first half. The Steelers eventually lost 21–7 without Conner.{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2019 |title=Browns, Steelers brawl at end of Cleveland's 21–7 win |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128044 |access-date=November 14, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Overall, Conner recorded 464 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 34 receptions for 251 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=James Conner 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConnJa00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=January 7, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2020==
{{see also|2020 Pittsburgh Steelers season}}
In Week 1 against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, Conner rushed six times for nine yards before exiting the game due to an ankle injury. The Steelers won the game 26–16 without Conner in the lineup.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants – September 14th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009140nyg.htm |access-date=September 17, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Conner bounced back in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos with 106 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in the 26–21 victory.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 20th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009200pit.htm |access-date=September 22, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He recorded 18 carries for 109 rushing yards in the 28–21 victory over the Houston Texans in Week 3.{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 27th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009270pit.htm |access-date=September 28, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 6 against the Browns, he had 20 carries for 101 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in the 38–7 victory.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 18th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010180pit.htm |access-date=October 20, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On November 28, 2020, Conner was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after testing positive for the virus,{{Cite web |last=Baca |first=Michael |date=November 28, 2020 |title=Pittsburgh Steelers RB James Conner tests positive for COVID-19 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/pittsburgh-steelers-rb-james-conner-tests-positive-for-covid-19 |access-date=November 29, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} and activated on December 9.{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2020 |title=Roster moves continue for the Steelers |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/roster-moves-continue-for-the-steelers |access-date=January 17, 2021 |website=Steelers.com}} He finished the 2020 season with 169 carries for 721 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns to go along with 35 receptions for 215 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=James Conner 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConnJa00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs against the Browns, Conner rushed for 37 yards and a touchdown and caught five passes for 30 yards during the 48–37 loss.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – January 10th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202101100pit.htm |access-date=January 10, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Arizona Cardinals=
==2021==
{{see also|2021 Arizona Cardinals season}}
On April 13, 2021, Conner signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.{{Cite web |last=Urban |first=Darren |date=April 13, 2021 |title=Cardinals Add James Conner To Running Back Mix |url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-add-james-conner-to-running-back-mix |access-date=April 13, 2021 |website=www.azcardinals.com |language=en-US}}
In Week 9, Conner led the Cardinals over the San Francisco 49ers with 173 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |last=Parrish Jr. |first=Kevin |date=November 7, 2021 |title=James Conner Helps Carry Cardinals Past Niners With Huge Day |url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/james-conner-helps-carry-cardinals-past-niners-with-huge-day |access-date=December 14, 2021 |website=azcardinals.com}} In Week 14, against the Los Angeles Rams, he had 125 scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals – December 13th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202112130crd.htm |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the season as the Cardinals leading rusher with 752 yards and finished second in the league with a career-high 15 rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=James Conner 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConnJa00/gamelog/2021/ |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Rushing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/rushing.htm |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2021 Arizona Cardinals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2021.htm |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was named to the Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/probowl.htm |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was ranked 80th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.{{Cite web |title=2022 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2022-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2022==
{{see also|2022 Arizona Cardinals season}}
file:James Conner Cardinals vs Commanders SEP2023 (cropped).jpg
On March 14, 2022, Conner signed a three-year contract extension with the Cardinals.{{Cite web |last=Urban |first=Darren |date=March 14, 2022 |title=Cardinals Bring Back James Conner On 3-Year Deal |url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-bring-back-james-conner-on-3-year-deal |access-date=October 14, 2022 |website=AZCardinals.com}} In Week 12, against the Chargers, he had 25 carries for 120 rushing yards and one receiving touchdown in the 25–24 loss.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals – November 27th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202211270crd.htm |access-date=September 1, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2022 season, Conner had 183 carries for 782 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns to go along with 46 receptions for 300 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=James Conner 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConnJa00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=September 1, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2023==
{{see also|2023 Arizona Cardinals season}}
In Week 5, Conner suffered a knee injury and was placed on injured reserve on October 10, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Urban |first=Darren |date=October 10, 2023 |title=Cardinals Lose James Conner, Place Him On IR |url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-lose-james-conner-after-placing-him-on-ir |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=AZCardinals.com}} On November 11, the Cardinals reactivated him back on their active roster.{{cite web|url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-activate-james-conner-to-roster-from-ir|title=Cardinals Activate James Conner To Roster From IR|date=November 11, 2023|accessdate=November 11, 2023|first=Darren|last=Urban|work=AZCardinals.com}}
In Week 13, against the Steelers, Conner had 25 carries for 105 yards and two touchdowns in the win.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers – December 3rd, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202312030pit.htm |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 17, against the Eagles, he had 26 carries for 128 yards, one rushing touchdown, and one receiving touchdown in the win.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles – December 31st, 2023 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202312310phi.htm |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 18, against the Seattle Seahawks, he had 27 carries for a career-high 150 rushing yards and one touchdown. This performance put him over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.{{cite web|url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-close-to-feeling-grand-in-tough-loss-to-seahawks|title=Cardinals Close To Feeling Grand In Tough Loss To Seahawks|date=January 7, 2024|accessdate=January 8, 2024|first=Darren|last=Urban|work=AZCardinals.com}} He finished the 2023 season with 208 carries for 1,040 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns to go with 27 receptions for 165 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in 13 games and starts.{{Cite web |title=James Conner 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConnJa00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2024==
{{see also|2024 Arizona Cardinals season}}
On November 30, 2024, Conner and the Cardinals agreed to a two–year, $19 million contract extension.{{Cite web|title=Cardinals RB James Conner signs 2-year deal worth reported $19 million|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/cardinals-rb-james-conner-signs-2-year-deal-worth-reported-19-million-161347198.html|access-date=November 30, 2024|website=sports.yahoo.com|language=en}}
Conner had 21 carries for 122 rushing yards and a touchdown in the 41–10 win over the Rams in Week 2.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals - September 15th, 2024 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202409150crd.htm |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 7 against the Chargers, he had 152 scrimmage yards in the 17–15 win.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals - October 21st, 2024 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202410210crd.htm |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 14, he had 122 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown in the 30–18 loss to the Seahawks.{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals - December 8th, 2024 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202412080crd.htm |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 15 against the New England Patriots, he had 16 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the 30–17 win.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals - December 15th, 2024 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202412150crd.htm |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 16, he had 166 scrimmage yards in the 36–30 loss to the Panthers.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers - December 22nd, 2024 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202412220car.htm |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Conner played a career-high 16 games before he was sidelined with a knee injury in Week 18. He suffered the injury in Week 16's game against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter and aggravated it in Week 17's game against the Los Angeles Rams, where he left after playing 12 snaps.{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/james-conner-week-18-vs-173500844.html |website=Yahoo Sports |last=Root |first=Jess |title=James Conner out in Week 18 vs. 49ers |date=January 1, 2025}} He finished the season 1,094 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 236 carries and 414 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown on 47 catches.{{Cite web |title=James Conner 2024 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConnJa00/gamelog/2024/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
NFL career statistics
=Regular season=
| class=wikitable style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | |
| 2017 | PIT
| 14 || 0 || 32 || 144 || 4.5 || 23 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2018 | PIT
| 13 || 12 || 215 || 973 || 4.5 || 30 || 12 || 55 || 497 || 9.0 || 29 || 1 || 4 || 2 | |||||||||||||
| 2019 | PIT
| 10 || 10 || 116 || 464 || 4.0 || 25 || 4 || 34 || 251 || 7.4 || 26T || 3 || 1 || 1 | |||||||||||||
| 2020 | PIT
| 13 || 11 || 169 || 721 || 4.3 || 59 || 6 || 35 || 215 || 6.1 || 18 || 0 || 2 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2021 | ARI
| 15 || 6 || 202 || 752 || 3.7 || 35 || 15 || 37 || 375 || 10.1 || 45 || 3 || 2 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2022 | ARI
| 13 || 13 || 183 || 782 || 4.3 || 23 || 7 || 46 || 300 || 6.5 || 22 || 1 || 3 || 1 | |||||||||||||
| 2023 | ARI
| 13 || 13|| 208 || 1,040|| 5.0|| 44 || 7 || 27 || 165 || 6.1 || 34 || 2 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2024
!ARI |16 | 16 |236 |1,094 |4.6 |53 |8 |47 |414 |8.8 |44 |1 |4 |1 | ||||||||||||||
| colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConnJa00.htm Career] | 107 | 81 | 1,361 | 5,970 | 4.4 | 59 | 59 | 281 | 2,217 | 7.9 | 45 | 11 | 16 | 5 |
= Postseason =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Team ! colspan="2" | Games ! colspan="5" | Rushing ! colspan="5" | Receiving ! colspan="2" | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | |
| 2017 | PIT
| 0 || 0 || colspan="12"| Did not play due to injury | |||||||||||||
| 2020 | PIT
|| 1 || 1 || 11 || 37 || 3.4 || 9 || 1 || 5 || 30 || 6.0 || 9 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2021 | ARI
|| 1 || 0 || 4 || 19 || 4.8 || 11 || 1 || 1 || 5 || 5.0 || 5 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| colspan="2" | [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConnJa00/gamelog/post/ Career] | 2 | 1 | 15 | 56 | 3.7 | 11 | 2 | 6 | 35 | 5.8 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Personal life
Conner was raised by his parents, Kelly Patterson and Glen Conner Sr. and is the youngest of five brothers. He majored in communication at Pitt.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Panthers Biography: James Conner |url=http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/james_conner_852927.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022104514/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/james_conner_852927.html |archive-date=October 22, 2014 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |website=PittsburghPanthers.com}} Glen Jr. also plays football, a defensive lineman with his local Erie Express professional team in the Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL). On April 22, 2019, the Express honored Glen as their "Defensive Player of the Week" with seven tackles, three tackles for loss (−16 yards), three sacks, and an interception in their 30–6 victory over the Westmoreland Wolves.[https://www.facebook.com/ErieExpressFootball/posts/congratulations-to-dl-glen-conner-on-being-named-the-erie-bank-sports-park-defen/1650774261692513/ Erie Express Football (Facebook page)]
On December 4, 2015, Conner announced he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Despite this, he said "I choose to not fear cancer... I will play football again."{{Cite web |last=Werner |first=Sam |date=December 5, 2015 |title=Pitt's James Conner diagnosed with cancer |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2015/12/04/Pitt-Panthers-running-back-James-Conner-news-conference-University-of-Pittsburgh/stories/201512040284 |access-date=July 30, 2019 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |language=en}} After tearing his MCL during the Panthers' first game of 2015, Conner attended rehab and began experiencing excessive fatigue and other symptoms, leading doctors to perform a chest x-ray that revealed Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He endured 12 rounds of chemotherapy and completed his last chemo appointment on May 9, 2016. During his treatment, Conner continued to participate in non-contact drills with the Pittsburgh Panthers football team as much as his body would allow.
Conner appeared on the April 21, 2016 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show and met Kansas City Chiefs' safety Eric Berry, who also overcame Hodgkin's lymphoma and whom Conner saw as an inspirational figure. During Conner's treatment, the two players had spoken via text message but had never met in person.{{Cite web |last=Haney |first=Travis |date=April 21, 2016 |title=Pitt running back James Conner to appear on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/91984/pitt-running-back-james-conner-to-appear-on-ellen |access-date=December 10, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}
On May 23, 2016, Conner announced on Twitter that he was cancer free.{{Cite web |last=Goodbread |first=Chase |date=May 23, 2016 |title=Pittsburgh RB James Conner announces he is cancer-free |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/pittsburgh-rb-james-conner-announces-he-is-cancer-free-0ap3000000664434 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |website=NFL.com}}
During the 2018 season, Conner began growing a mullet, which became popular among Steeler fans and fully embracing the Yinzer culture with the hairstyle.{{Cite news |last=Meinzer |first=Melissa |date=October 21, 2002 |title=Mullets: A Pittsburgh tradition |work=Pitt News |url=https://pittnews.com/article/39197/archives/mullets-a-pittsburgh-tradition/ |access-date=July 30, 2019}} Conner joined many other Pittsburgh natives and/or sports stars that have sported the hairstyle, most prominently former Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Jaromír Jágr.{{Cite news |last=Fowler |first=Jeremy |date=September 13, 2018 |title=Steelers' James Conner embraces unique haircut, planning more styles |language=en |work=ESPN.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/28676 |access-date=July 30, 2019}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
- {{Twitter|JamesConner_}}
{{footballstats|yahoo=30218|espn=3045147|pfr=C/ConnJa00|nfl=james-conner}}
- [https://www.azcardinals.com/team/players-roster/james-conner/ Arizona Cardinals bio]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20141022104514/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/james_conner_852927.html Pittsburgh Panthers bio]
{{Atlantic Coast Conference football Player of the Year navbox}}
{{Disney Sports Spirit Award}}
{{Steelers2017DraftPicks}}
{{Arizona Cardinals roster navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Conner, James}}
Category:Players of American football from Erie, Pennsylvania
Category:American football running backs
Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football players
Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players
Category:Arizona Cardinals players
Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen
Category:21st-century American sportsmen