James Conner to receive Ed Block Courage Award for overcoming Hodgkin Lymphoma
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner will be presented with the Ed Block Courage Award on Nov. 5 as part of the Arthur J. Rooney Sr. Courage Awards Luncheon at Heinz Field.
Conner is being honored for overcoming Hodgkin Lymphoma, which was discovered when he was 20 and a junior at Pitt.
Conner is in his third season with the Steelers and has 235 yards rushing and 231 receiving after six games.
“The best part about it was it was voted on by my teammates,” Conner said Wednesday. “That makes it special. Just being recognized is an honor, and I’m thankful for the organization for giving me an opportunity.”
The Ed Block Courage Award, named for the long-time trainer of the Baltimore Colts, has been awarded to a player from every NFL team since 1984. It is given to players who excel on the field and overcome adversity off it.
Linebacker Ryan Shazier was the award winner in 2018.
Conner will be invited to attend the Block awards gala in March in Baltimore.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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