Pat Narduzzi: James Conner will play for Pittsburgh in 2016

“He’s going through a huge battle in his life and he’s fighting for his life really, but he’s doing well,” Narduzzi said.

Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi said James Conner is “doing well” after announcing that he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in December, reports ESPN’s Jared Shanker.

“He’s going through a huge battle in his life and he’s fighting for his life really, but he’s doing well,” Narduzzi said. “I saw him yesterday in the hallway and he’s been working out with our kids to keep his sanity and he’s having fun doing it. That’s the key is he’s having fun beating cancer and he’s got a great attitude and looks good right now.

Narduzzi went on to say that he can guarantee Conner will play for the Panthers in the 2016 season.

Conner was named the 2014 ACC Player of the Year, accumulating 1,765 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns that season. The running back rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s 2015 season opener, but an MCL injury forced him to miss the rest of the season.

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Conner announced his diagnosis on Dec. 4.

“I will play football again. I will be at Heinz Field again,” he said. I have the best coaches and teammates in the country. I thank God I chose Pitt because now I also have the best doctors in the country and together we will win. I know this city has my back.”

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