Pitt Panther James Conner Receives Prestigious Brian Piccolo Award
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pitt running back James Conner received the prestigious Brian Piccolo Award on Saturday evening.
The Brian Piccolo Award is given in the memory of Brian Piccolo, a player for the Chicago Bears who died from cancer at age 26. It is awarded to the "most courageous" football player in the ACC.
Great honor to accompany @JamesConner_ to Orlando to receive the Brian Piccolo Award, given to the most courageous player in the ACC. pic.twitter.com/JX59zoHk36
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) December 3, 2016
Conner, who battled cancer himself, received the award during the Dr. Pepper ACC Football Championship Game in Orlando.
Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in December 2015. After six months, he announced he was cancer-free on May 23.
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Conner returned to the field on Sept. 3, catching one touchdown and running for another in his first game back.
"During the past year, James Conner has touched so many lives beyond the football field," Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said. "Yes, he is an exceptional player. But, more importantly, he is an outstanding person who has used his adversity to spread a message of hope and inspiration.
Conner has also been honored with the 2016 Disney Sports Spirit Award, given annually to college football's most inspirational figure. He becomes the first Pitt student-athlete to claim the Brian Piccolo Award since the Panthers joined the ACC prior to the 2013 season.