The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday already very much aware of the fact that it was a day so much more than football. It was the first time that the team would be returning to the site of a devastating spinal injury suffered by Ryan Shazier in December. That he was able to walk back into stadium this week was a remarkable moment that transcends the game.
But there was another moment during the day that had a similar impact for one player in particular: James Conner, the running back who is fifth in rushing yards and second in touchdowns, with over 700 yards of offense and the resume of a cancer survivor.