Pitt RB Conner announces cancer diagnosis

Pittsburgh junior running back James Conner says he is ready to overcome a cancer diagnosis.

"When I heard those words -- 'You have cancer' -- I admit I was scared," Conner said in a news conference Friday announcing he has Hodgkin lymphoma. "But after thinking about it for a bit, I realized that fear is a choice. I choose to not fear cancer. I choose to fight it, and I will win."

Conner has not played since tearing the MCL in his right knee during the first week of this season.

He said he does not view the diagnosis as career-ending.

"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…