Dunlap: I Have The Perfect Tribute To James Conner
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) - I got this one figured out.
I really think I do.
When the news came out over the weekend that Pitt running back --- and incredible human --- James Conner was making himself available for the National Football League Draft, tons of thoughts swirled.
Thoughts about those grand games he had in victories against Penn State and Clemson this season.
Thoughts about how he came to Pitt as a kid from Erie, unsure of his position, but how he has blossomed into an NFL-caliber running back.
Thoughts of how he stretched the skills of his total game by becoming a much better pass-catcher in recent months.
And, oh yeah --- there were those thoughts about how he defeated a knee injury and that pesky cancer.
There were the thoughts about how Conner took the time --- and still does --- after the latter affliction to reach out to as many people as he can who have been touched by cancer. He consoles, he comforts, he offers guidance, support and strength and a tangible example of a person who is right there with them.
My, what a young man.
My, what a role model.
My, what a legend.
But, like I said, I got this one figured out. Because among all those thoughts, what quickly rose to the surface was how the University of Pittsburgh football program should honor the legacy of a player who has done so much for so many.
Should they retire his jersey? I don't know, that might be a bit of a knee jerk reaction and, perhaps, something that could come down the road.
Should they give that No. 24 jersey to the most inspirational story on the team each season? Or, someone who has battled personal hardship? Sounds like a good idea on the surface, but what if that person happens to be an interior offensive lineman and his position precludes him from wearing such a number? Then what? That would be a bit of a hangup.
That's why, after a long think, I feel like I have the answer. For Pitt home games, it would be logical to denote both 24 yard lines (that are normally white) with either yellow or blue paint.
Why that tribute?
Here's why: It would force a conversation. Those yard lines (that match Conner's jersey number) would spawn conversations in the crowd for generations.
Can't you just picture it 20 years from now? A kid attending his first college football game might be sitting there at the stadium and look down and say, "Daddy, why are those 24 yard lines yellow while the rest of the yard lines white?"
And then it comes out…
"Well, son, you see when I was in college there was this guy in school with us named James Conner," the father would opine. "He was something else, he had this really bad disease but fought like heck and beat it and was still a great running back. He did so much for so many people."
The tale could be told however you would elect to tell it, but painting those 24 yard lines would be a conversation starter about Conner and a tangible nod to him right there on the football field.
To me, it would work perfectly.
I think I got this one figured out.
Colin Dunlap is a featured columnist at CBSPittsburgh.com. He can also be heard weekdays from 5:40 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sports Radio 93-7 "The Fan." You can e-mail him at colin.dunlap@cbsradio.com. Check out his bio here.
