James Conner Receives Disney Sports Spirit Award
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pitt running back James Conner has been honored with the 2016 Disney Sports Spirit Award, given annually to college football's most inspirational figure.
The award ceremony aired on ESPN.
ESPN reports reporter Holly Rowe was brought to tears while standing alongside fellow cancer survivor Shelley Smith when they introduced Conner at The Home Depot College Football Awards.
"The #ConnerStrong story is something we are very familiar with here in western Pennsylvania and tonight a national audience saw what we already knew: James Conner is a better person than football player," Bob Pompeani said.
Nobody has better story than @JamesConner_ Rushed for 16 TD's but only AFTER HE BEAT Cancer. Won Brian Piccolo award & Disney Spirit winner
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) December 9, 2016
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Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in December 2015. After six months, he announced he was cancer-free on May 23. He returned to the field on Sept. 3, catching one touchdown and running for another in his first game back.
The inspirational player dedicated his season to everyone who is fighting their own battle with cancer.
Conner also received the prestigious Brian Piccolo Award this year.