Pittsburgh running back James Conner has reached a key juncture in his recovery from Hodgkin lymphoma, completing a chemotherapy regimen as he continues his efforts to return to the football field this fall.
Conner played sparingly in the Panthers' season opener last year before a knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He was diagnosed in December with a Stage 2 case of the disease.
Conner was among the top rushers in college football as a sophomore in 2014, rushing for 1,765 yards on 298 carries with 26 touchdowns. His quest to return to form has come with plenty of outside encouragement, including Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry, who beat Hodgkin lymphoma to resume his own football career.
The two met for the first time in a surprise introduction on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
DeGeneres offered her support again Monday, as did Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn:
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