Pitt RB James Conner participates in spring practice despite cancer

Pittsburgh running back James Conner took part in his team’s first spring practice on Tuesday despite his cancer diagnosis.

Pittsburgh running back James Conner took part in his team’s first spring practice on Tuesday despite his cancer diagnosis, reports ESPN’s Andrea Adelson.

Conner, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in November, has undergone eight treatments since his diagnosis. He is hopeful to play for the Panthers in 2016.​

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.​

“I will play football again. I will be at Heinz Field again,” Conner said in December. “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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Conner has four chemotherapy treatments remaining.