When James Conner needed it most, Pittsburgh was there.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma had robbed him of his energy and put his football career at Pitt on hold. He fought for seven months. And he won. And upon returning to the field, he chose to continue that fight on behalf of others. He reached out to children and others affected by cancer. He visited the Hillman Cancer Center of UPMC, the place that gave him motivation during the darkest of times, on a weekly basis.
He wanted to repay the people of his school, of his adopted city, who wrote him letters, who offered words of support, who prayed, who reached out to touch friends and family.
One phone call late Friday night ensured that connection, that commitment will continue while he fulfills his NFL dream. Because at 11:29 p.m., Conner became the 41st overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft, and he was chosen by the Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers.
"It's a dream come true," Conner said moments after he received the call from Mike Tomlin. "I’m forever grateful for them for giving me the opportunity after everything I’ve been through. I know a lot of teams were scared, but they gave me the opportunity of a lifetime, and they're going to get a great person and a great football player, and I’ll give it my all for them."
TFW you're James Conner and you just got drafted by the Steelers pic.twitter.com/t6uP1fdfWr
— ?eau ?erman (@BeauWTAE) April 29, 2017
So blessed to be apart of Steeler Nation! Can't wait to be back at Heinz Field. One goal, go get 7! #HereWeGo
— James Conner (@JamesConner_) April 29, 2017
#BurghProud pic.twitter.com/QKbVBt9noU
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 29, 2017
That phone call though... ? #SteelersDraft pic.twitter.com/Ck4VhDo2s2
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 29, 2017
Heck yea! I think I found my day one! Welcome, come across to the other side! @JamesConner_ pic.twitter.com/BBNefKpQNx
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) April 29, 2017
Congratulations @JamesConner_, this has the makings of a movie.
— Brett Keisel (@bkeisel99) April 29, 2017
We could not be more excited to have @JamesConner_ stay in Pittsburgh! #H2P https://t.co/KWuwExLk9Y
— Pitt (@PittTweet) April 29, 2017
Look out Pittsburgh!!!! @L_Bell26 & @JamesConner_ #HereWeGo #H2P pic.twitter.com/OAshzZwJ2J
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) April 29, 2017
A familiar face. #SteelersDraft pic.twitter.com/15hPRPI1QE
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 29, 2017
That man is a beast! Congratulations my brother @JamesConner_ couldn't happen to a better person!
— Mitchell Trubisky (@Mtrubisky10) April 29, 2017
Congrats to @JamesConner_! #H2P #NFLDraft
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) April 29, 2017
No words. @JamesConner_ stays home in Pittsburgh. @steelers, what a guy & what a player. #ConnerStrong pic.twitter.com/pDNRQyAEUl
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) April 29, 2017
This makes me so happy. @JamesConner_ you are incredible. https://t.co/G0bzoGqI46
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 29, 2017